Learning to swim isn’t the only growth happening for our students during swimming lessons at Njswim. Social growth is a big part of classes too! Our students find friendships, learn to follow instructions, work on gross motor skills, and build confidence.
With lessons available for all swim levels and ages, our teachers are ready to help your family improve their swimming skills and have fun!
Naturally, water safety is our top concern. But our students are also here to feel comfortable in the water, learn new swim skills, and take part in physical activity with other swimmers.
Here, we’ll explain how important social development is for children. We will also highlight why specific groups of kids might benefit from the social interaction occurring at our locations. These groups include homeschooled kids, at-risk youths, and individuals with unique needs.
Let’s start with a look at the importance of socialization for all kids of all ages.
The Value of Socialization for Children
Social development is linked to many other parts of every child’s maturity – both mentally and emotionally. That’s why it’s vital to encourage socialization with other children at a young age.
Social interaction helps youngsters develop a sense of self. It also shows what kind of behavior is expected from them, according to Children’s Campus.
Basic social concepts like sharing, setting personal boundaries, and problem-solving all come from socializing and interacting with others.
The value of socialization for kids lasts into adulthood. Recent studies prove that young children with advanced social skills are far more likely to be successful adults. To put a finer point on it, well-socialized youngsters are proven to be:
• 46% more likely to have a full-time job by age 25
• 54% more likely to graduate high school
• Twice as likely to earn a college degree in early adulthood
Swimming Lessons Are Great Opportunities for Homeschooled Children to Build Social Skills
In public and private school settings, social interaction among students is unavoidable. Kids learn social dynamics, like how to cope with bullies and make friends. But homeschooling is different.
While homeschooled students are likely to avoid mirroring negative behaviors of their peers, they often lack friendships with children their own age.
Parents who homeschool can still address these social needs and encourage skills. It’s all about finding the right activities in your community.
Swimming lessons are a great way to dive into making new friends. Both students and parents can find others to connect with. Small group classes make learning to swim fun for the entire family.
At-Risk Youths Benefit from Positive Experiences Associated with Swimming
Study.com defines an at-risk youth as “a child who is less likely to transition successfully into adulthood. Success can include academic success and job readiness, as well as the ability to be financially independent. It also can refer to the ability to become a positive member of society by avoiding a life of crime.”
Contrary to some opinions, these at-risk children aren’t juvenile delinquents or criminals. But they are growing up in stressful situations.
These kids are found in homes, foster homes, group homes and shelters all around New Jersey. Some are even your neighbors, classmates, and friends.
Young people who are surrounded by a variety of opportunities for positive encounters, engage in less risky behavior and ultimately show evidence of higher rates of successful transitions into adulthood. (source)
Research definitively shows that youth who have enough support from their families, schools, and communities develop the assets necessary to do well in life. (source)
If you’re a foster parent, guardian, or group home administrator looking for positive activities, contact us. Our team is ready to teach essential water safety skills while providing a positive social experience for students.
Swimming Lessons & Aqua Therapy for Individuals with Unique Needs
Water can be a very healing place for many individuals.
As per Cerebralpalsy.org, specialized swimming lessons can be incredibly helpful for folks with special needs.
Known as aquatic therapy, or aqua therapy, “the use of water and water-induced resistance to improve physical functioning is widely accepted by the medical community as a method in which to rehabilitate, or re-educate, the body.”
But the positive results of aqua therapy don’t end there!
Individuals with Autism spectrum disorders and similar sensory struggles can benefit from time in the pool too. They can build on safety skills, confidence, and a sense of security.
“Children who have autism often have significant sensory difficulties that are usually very distractible… they can over or under-react to different stimuli in the environment… When all the factors are taken into consideration, the water helps to provide a safe environment that supports the child while also providing him or her with necessary hydrostatic pressure.” (source)
Many children with sensory struggles can tolerate touch better after aquatic therapy, or carefully supervised time spent in the water.
Families of special needs individuals can schedule time in our pools to interact and bond, while safely building on social skills.
Swimming is an excellent way for caregivers to get out of the house and rejuvenate themselves too! Reach out to Njswim today to learn more.
Swimming Instruction at Njswim – What it’s All About
Njswim students are led through a series of swim skills meant to enhance the aquatic experience and instill self-confidence in a safe and uplifting social setting.
We offer year-round open enrollment. Our classes include water babies through swim team prep. We also have programs such as open family swim, parents’ night out, and intensive summer swim lessons.
Our teachers build a foundation on water safety skills and floating first. Balance, buoyancy, and breath are all very important. Then we begin adding more advanced skills.
We believe that children learn best with continued, uninterrupted guidance. Which is why we strive to make scheduling and payments easy with our Njswim app.
Ultimately, our goal is to teach safer swimming to New Jersey’s communities. Discussing the diverse benefits of swim lessons continues to be important to increase awareness.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our programs or talk about the value of socialization in swimming lessons for your family.
Related Reading & Resources:
Thebestschools.org: Is Homeschooling Anti-Social?
