Overcoming Fears and Getting Comfortable in the Water

Cassie spent a week in Dunnville with Gramma and Grampa and did a week of swimming lessons with a most wonderful instructor named Josh. Cassie went every day for one hour to Josh's home pool. The class had two terrific boys named Brent and Nick. Josh is a skilled experienced instructor. He spent time getting Cassie comfortable in the water. He helped her overcome her fears by keeping a funny upbeat class where praise is continually offered for bravery. Swimming takes a lot of physical co-ordination and for a young girl with cerebral palsy. Josh used a combination of play time in the water while teaching skills and pool safety. Cassie who is reluctant in water progressed quickly because Josh builds trust with the children and keeps a positive encouraging voice while teaching skills. The smiles on the children's faces, the giggles at Josh's jokes and the children's eagerness to please Josh is a true testament to his skills as an instructor.
Josh and his three young students Brent, Nick and Cassie. All three children were at slightly different levels and Josh beautifully managed each child. I think having these nice boys in Cassie's class was terrific as Cassie watched them and tried to do what they were doing. Josh runs the lessons at his country home which is also a chicken farm near Canboro, Ontario. Our good friends Tammy and Ed told us about these lessons. Cassie could not wait to go each day. She worked her muscles for one entire hour in the pool each day. I was so pleased as swimming helps children with cerebral palsy shape and tone their muscles in the low impact environment of the water. The physical benefits for Cassie are terrific and most importantly she grew again in self esteem and ability and now when asked what sport you do Cassie remember Josh wants you to say, "I swim!" Thanks Josh. We will for sure see you again.