Swimming with Respect: How My Teaching Philosophy Shapes Swim instruction for Kids

As a forest school educator and gentle parenting advocate, I believe learning should feel safe, empowering, and joyful—whether we’re climbing trees or learning to swim.

Many parents ask me, “How do you teach swimming differently?” The answer is simple: I bring the same respectful, child-led philosophy to the water that I use in the forest.

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

🌱 1. Respecting Readiness, Not Rushing Milestones

Just like walking or reading, swimming is a developmental skill. Children need time, trust, and the right environment—not pressure. I never force a child to go underwater or “just try” something they're not ready for.

Instead, we focus on relationship-building with water, building comfort and confidence at each step.

🧠 2. Using Progressions

I rely on scaffolding skills, meaning that each student is challenged, has goals to work on in that "sweet spot", not too difficult and not too easy.

• Skill progressions with clear, achievable goals.

• Teaching through repetition, play, and exploration, not drills.

• Emphasizing water safety and body awareness from day one.

💛 3. Gentle Discipline & Emotional Safety

If a child is scared or hesitant, we respond with empathy—not coercion. My approach is rooted in respect. We co-regulate, name feelings, and make space for trust to grow.

This is especially helpful for children with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or past negative experiences with water.

🌊 4. Learning Through Play

As a forest school educator, I know children learn best when they play. We use games, stories, and imaginative play to teach important swim skills like floating, kicking, and breath control.

A child pretending to be a sea turtle or diving for “pirate treasure” is building core strength, confidence, and coordination—without even realizing they’re in a lesson.

🌈 5. Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Teaching

Every child is different. I adapt my teaching to support neurodiverse learners, children with unique sensory needs, and families seeking a safe, inclusive experience. Our focus is on progress, not performance.

Final Thoughts

Swimming is a life skill—but it’s also a relationship. With their body, their breath, and the water. By combining respectful, evidence-based methods with nurturing values , we give children more than swim skills—we give them confidence, joy, and lifelong safety in the water.