Our swimming experience yesterday was such a rewarding one. I had the privilege last week of swimming with a wide range of children with different disabilities, so that allowed me to be confident and excited for this opportunity. I collaborated with my classmates about things I learned last week, as well as their prior knowledge on swimming with children with disabilities before we arrived. This allowed us all to feel pretty confident about helping these kids with swimming techniques, and just having fun with them in the pool. Collaborating was very important before we got to the pool, because we wanted to all be sure we were on the same page as far as safety concerns, as well as where everyone stood with their own swimming abilities and confidence in the pool. Once we got to the pool we immediately saw all the collaboration that had gone on with the teachers, the aides and the parents of the kids. They all knew their roles, had the kids changed in their suits and ready to go. The collaboration with the parents had to have been inclusive, so they knew their child was going to be safe and properly cared for when taken to the swimming pool. As a parent myself, I know that is very important for us to know that our child is in good hands all the time.
Once the kids were ready to get in the water, we got to get involved. Everyone kind of picked a child to work with, and from their we either worked on techniques, played or just observed. I worked with the little kids that were deaf or hard of hearing. This was an absolutely incredible experience. We collaborated with the teacher about their abilities, and what she wanted from us. This was very important so that we knew what they could do, as well as what we were supposed to do to keep them safe in the water. The teacher would demonstrate a skill, and then have us perform that skill with the child we had. These kids kicked their feet on their stomachs with us holding them, they blew bubbles, they kicked and blew bubbles at the same time, and finally they kicked on their backs. They all knew how to climb out of the pool from the side, which I, very important, so that if they were in a situation where they were in the water alone, they could get out. After we finished working on techniques they went to the little pool to play, and so I followed. I had such a fun time playing and communicating without talking. I learned that I am still able to communicate and play games with these kids even though they cannot hear me.
Without collaboration in this type of educational setting safety of each child would be a huge concern. It is an absolute must so that the parents know their child is safe and needs are always met, the aides know what to do and when to do it, the teachers know what they can expect from each kid and how to push them, and for us just coming into the situation to know what to expect and how to be the most helpful to everyone. I really enjoyed this experience, and hope to have many more just like it.
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