Shaler Area School District - Closed - COVID-19
ALL Shaler Area School District buildings, fields, and facilities will remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In case of a school emergency, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
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Unit Length:

All students will either participate in a 9 week long unit of swimming OR two 4 1/2 week units.

What:

Emphasis will be placed on *stroke technique and wellness days. (*Described in detail below.)

When:

Swimming units start in November for some students and will continue throughout the remainder of the school year during their scheduled P.E. class. Students will be told when they are specifically starting at the beginning of the year.

Excuses:

If a child is unable to swim because of an illness or medical reason a parent/guardian note is required. After two consecutive days of a parent/guardian note a doctor's excuse is required. TheONLYexception to this rule is due to a girls menstrual cycle at which point a parent note will be accepted for longer than two days.

Adaptations:

We understand students come to us with varying skill levels. Please understand we grade on individual psychomotor development, participation (including changing for class), and students cognitive ability to recognize swimming technique and rules.
*We meet the student where they are and encourage them by utilizing the "challenge by choice" approach.*


GIRLS SUIT ~ One piece suit ONLY.  NO bikini, tankini, or suit revealing a child's midriff.
BOYS SUIT ~ Swim trunks that fasten or tie to waist.  NO shorts with metal clasps or zippers.
HAIR CAPS ~
Any student with hair past their ears MUST wear a swim cap to help ensure proper water filtration.  A blue latex cap can be purchased from the Activities Office for $3 or a student can bring one from home.
If a student forgets to bring a cap, but has all other materials, a cap can be borrowed for 50 cents & must be returned at the end of the class period.

GOGGLES ~ Goggles are not required but may be beneficial to help a student put their face in the water. 
'Dolfin Champ' brand goggles can be purchased for $6 from the Activities Office or brought from home.  NO goggles or masks that cover a child's nose.

 

*All stroke technique skills are based on the American Red Cross
Learn to Swim Program.
Click on the duck logo for detailed information and/or read below.*

LEVEL 3 - Stroke Development
Grade 4

LEVEL 4 - Stroke Improvement
Grade 5

LEVEL 5 - Stroke Refinement
Grade 6

• Enter water by jumping from the side
• Headfirst entry from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
• Bobbing while moving toward safety
• Rotary breathing
• Survival float
• Back float
• Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back
• Tread water
• Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on front
• Front crawl and elementary backstroke
• Scissors kick
• Reach or throw, don’t go
• Think twice before going

• Headfirst entry from the side in compact and stride positions
• Swim under water
• Feetfirst surface dive
• Survival swimming
• Front crawl and backstroke open turns
• Tread water using 2 different kicks
• Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
• Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on back
• Reach or throw, don’t go
• Recreational water illnesses
• Think so you don’t sink
• Look before you leap

• Shallow-angle dive from the side
• Shallow-angle dive from the side then glide and begin a front stroke
• Tuck and pike surface dives
• Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
• Tread water
• Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
• Standard scull on back
• How to call for help and the importance of knowing first aid and CPR
• Recreational water illnesses
• Reach or throw, don’t go
• Look before you leap
• Think so you don’t sink
• Think twice before going near cold water or ice
• Wave, tide or ride, follow the guide

Aquaphobia or the fear of swimming is not uncommon and ranges from the fear of being submersed in water to getting wet at all. We approach this from an individual standpoint and try to help students move a step closer to overcoming that fear. Below are some helpful ideas to assist in the process of overcoming aquaphobia.

SProvide frequent and positive exposure to all kinds of water, to let the child take chances and experience success.
SName the specific fear: Is it going under water, or maybe getting water in his/her eyes?
SNever minimize a child's fear.
SDon't cater to the fear, because this allows a child to hold onto it and use it to manipulate others. Acknowledge the child's feelings by saying, 'I know you're feeling scared, but I'd still like you to try to sit on the side of the pool.'
SNever force a child to confront a fear of swimming by 'throwing' them into water. If a child appears stressed about your help or advice, take a break and try again with a patient demeanor.
SSpend time around water with no expectations of the child getting wet. Sit by the water's edge and stick your feet in the pool. Often a child will be enticed into the water without coaxing.
SRead stories and watch movies that make playing in water fun and exciting.
SDo experiments with water. Let the child enjoy water and learn that some objects, including people, float.
SRemember, exposure to water doesn't need to be through a formal program.
SA child needs lots of positive feedback to succeed. Being specific in your praise shows that you are paying close attention to his/her efforts. For example, instead of saying, 'You are doing really well!' say, 'I really like the way you kick your feet.'
SSee yourself as your child's coach. Read your child's signs of comfort or fear and adjust what you're doing.
SFinally, be a good role model and enjoy the water yourself!
1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard     Glenshaw, PA. 15116     P 412-492-1200     F 412-492-1236
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1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard Glenshaw, PA. 15116 P 412-492-1200 F 412-492-1236
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