Little Kicks Swim School

Just wrote to an inquiring swim parent about what my lesson structure is like and this is what I had to say:

“I just had lesson number six with a 14 turned 15 month old and he goes down and grabs toys on the bottom of the pool (3 1/2 feet deep) and jumps up by himself. Swims with (not big kicks) little kicks to the pool stairs and jumps up to stand. He knows where the wall is and can swim to the wall and grab on to the wall with help. He knows who how to jump in but fights a bit, but with help can jump in the pool on his tummy with help and do little kicks to me.

He also holds on to a kick board and floats around with it, hopefully starting to kick with it soon. He has stopped crying not completely but is getting much more used to me and my swim structure, but has always loved the pool. I’ve tried to help him wear goggles but has rejected them so he swims without goggles. But, I like to put them on for fun sometimes for introduction.

We also do back floats. He does not like them at all and gets very fussy on his back, but he hangs in there for a bit. I can not let go of him yet on this back but we are still trying.

Most kids are very different and can be pushed in different ways, so I’d have to learn your children’s personalities and adjust to them in a unique way, but I really keep the same lesson plans all time. It’s really about repetition.

So, that’s just the start of pool safety. There are many different levels of swim, so just the basics are needed for that young of an age. But, they will cry A LOT and I need the child’s full attention on me, so that’s why I do not allow parents to be seen until the child is confidently swimming with me. Could take a few sessions. I’ve had kids pool safe in 12 lessons and one little boy, Brady, took 24 lessons. It just depends.

Some parents love my swim structure and some do not like it. It just really depends on the parent. Some parents are over protective and view the crying as negative and the ones that can think in positive terms always helps. Most of the clients are referrals, and the parents will tell their friends mostly how I work. So, that helps a bunch.

I don’t sing songs or teach bubbles, I pretty much dive right into the safety part. There is really no intro, I usually take the kids crying from the parent and right into the pool. But afterwards the kids enjoy, usually still crying, their parent’s hugs and reassurance.

It’s sounds mean, but I’m not there to be their friend (but most of the kids and me end up being buddies). I’m there to teach them not to drown and that’s my main goal, and that’s what parents pay for and that’s what I do. I hope I didn’t freak you out, but if you need any more parent referrals, just ask me, I have many parents who will email you on my technique!”

I hope this helps with any concerns some parents may have about my swim lessons!

Cerra and Miss Kira

Testimonials from parents!

“Hi CerraI just wanted to thank you for handling Kayla so well today and for making her push through the fear. For some reason she woke up terrified this morning. I know that you could probably hear the screaming when we arrived . It was amazing that you were able to continue on and have her complete each step even though she screamed and cried at the top of her lungs a majority of the lesson. Your patience and gentle, but firm encouragement was admirable.
The craziest thing is that we asked her what her favorite part of the day was and she said swim lessons and she has been pretending to teach swim class all day . Today was amazing!!! You were right when you predicted a break through. Although Kayla was a rollercoaster of emotions before getting into the pool with you I was so proud of how well she did! You truly have a gift with children! She has been so proud of herself all day, bragging to everyone that she can swim now and she didn’t cry during swim lessons (even though we had a few quiet tears that you were able to help her push back down). ” Thanks again.
Tymarie w/ Kayla-2011

Swimming by herself across the pool

“We had a great vacation in Cabo this past week and they both did WONDERFUL! Loved swimming each day and actually did most everything you taught them. They loved it and really couldn’t get enough of it. We had to make them sit out for rests because they were “crazy” swimmers! You’ve been a GREAT teacher and we thank you tons and will give your info out to friends. ” Carrie and Victor w/ Logan and Kira

Kira Back float-All grown up!

 This is the same little girl, Kira.  I taught her when she was just a baby.  She is an amazing young girl who can swim, act and has been on the go with her Mom and Brother doing photo shoots for major kid’s companies!

I’m so proud of her accomplishments but especially  in the water!

Kira Back float-Kira as a baby

“Thank you for all your work with Delaney.  Peter and I can’t believe how she is progressing and how relaxed she is trying each new skill with you.  We are enjoying watching her spread her little wings as much as she is enjoying swimming with you.”  Meagan and Peter w/ Delaney

“We have a community pool you may remember from teaching the Haraguchis’s daughter Ashley some time in the past.  You also taught our daughter Katie a few years back at a church pool off of Harbor South of Las Palmas.  Anyway, Katie swims like a fish, loves the water, is safe a we attribute that in a large part to your time with Katie. Thank you Cerra for your time and consideration.”  Steve, Darcy, Katie and Jack

“I’d like to see about signing Kira up for a few lessons with you. I am sooo very proud to say that Logan CAN SWIM! No doubt about it! He’s been awesome this summer and every outing in the pool he is doing something different. He’s not scared or timid of anything. I am so surprised! He is swimming under water, coming up for air, diving down to get toys, doing somersaults under water as well as 360′s (tricks he taught himself), jumping off rocks into the pool etc. All THANKS to you and your teaching and direction. Thanks!!!

Carrie (Logan & Kira’s Mom)