Darby schools include swimming lessons in curriculum

HAMILTON — They offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and now offer swimming lessons.

Thanks to the grant and program, the Darby School District was able to incorporate swimming lessons into its curriculum.

Darby first grade teacher Morgan Pelkey ​​says these lessons are the highlight of her students’ week.

“They are delighted. I’m pretty sure it’s their favorite part of the week. Last time we came on Tuesday, the first time the next day they were like: swam, swam? Is this swimming? – said Pelkey.

Swimming lessons teach not only swimming skills, but other skills as well.

“I think they did a really good job of teaching the kids to only go in the water when it’s their turn and to be really good listeners,” Pelkey ​​said. “And I saw them practicing some of their floats, their basic survival skills. skills and that’s great and I know it will lead to more in the future, but I feel like they did a really good job of teaching them the basics of swimming and things like that that they can use right away. You know, if they were in a situation where they needed to help themselves.”

It is also a way for students to express themselves at school, but outside of the classroom.

“I think it was very cool and very helpful for us. I feel like it gives students an opportunity to express themselves in a way that maybe doesn’t usually come out as much in your academic environment. Some of them are really discovering that this is their niche, and that’s very exciting,” Pelkey ​​told MTN.

Plus, the growth in just three lessons makes the bus ride worth it.

“Just seeing them all grow a ton, even in three lessons, watching them get a lot bolder and, you know, they kind of float a little bit on their own and don’t really panic, you know, when the teacher lets go for a second. So they’re doing very well,” Pelkey ​​said.

Fer Schreckendgast of the Bitterroot Aquatic Center explained the importance of the program.

“What the end result is: We see kids with great skills. We see these top-notch programs with Corvallis and Hamilton—we have cross-country swimmers. Children we can turn our backs on in the water, children who are safer in the water. We also teach a water safety program with her: reach or throw,” Schreckendgast said. “Be careful on ice and stuff like that… it’s basically to help kids float, float and be comfortable in the water.”

But these lessons learned can also be a launching pad for swimming in all conditions throughout your life.

“Hopefully they will be able to compete or be on any swim team, which is our goal and our foundation, saving lives. It’s all about saving lives,” Schreckendgast said.

Safety is also a top priority when teaching young children to swim.

“Just getting that water, that education, that safety, getting that number one fear aspect out of the way, we’re really trying to focus as much as possible on the non-swimmers,” Schreckendgast explained. “We just want them to be as safe as possible. in any aquatic environment, which is why they are our number one priority. But we see the long-term effects of this program in our regular group classes.”

“I think parents are excited about it. They were very supportive of the program and very helpful on both sides,” Schreckendgast continued. “I know Darby posted about this before, before this program even started this season, and their parents, the comments from parents on social media have been huge and so positive. It’s great, it’s just an amazing program.”

Having a warm pool on cold days will make it easier for students to start a swimming lesson and start learning basic skills.

“We are so lucky. We can provide him with our warm water. We have a warm indoor pool. It’s 91 now, so we won’t have to go through that cold water experience. We can go in right away. It’s like being in a bath. We’re having a great time,” Schreckendgast said.

And there is only one word that can describe training the next generation of safe swimmers.

“This is amazing. Anything we can do to help our community grow and prosper. That’s what we’re here for. And we’re very lucky to be where we are and to be able to provide as much as we can with what we have. Of course, we are always looking to expand and provide more services in the winter,” Schreckendgast said.