Most Australian parents struggle to choose between private and group swimming classes for their children. Both options have advantages and drawbacks. However, choosing the proper swimming lesson is crucial for the child’s learning experience and overall adaptation. Here is our guide on group vs. private swim lessons.
Is Group Learning More Effective?
Group swimming lessons offer a social environment, allowing your child to learn and thrive amidst peers. The setting also encourages them to follow uniform observations and instructions. Moreover, while a group can consist of up to five children, it often follows a set curriculum that equips all children with comprehensive swim techniques and safety skills.
Is the cost of taking your child to swim school a significant concern? After teaching swimming lessons for years, I can confidently encourage you to choose group classes. Most parents consider group classes for their affordability and the social interaction and teamwork they provide.
Are Private Swimming Lessons Worth It?
With private swimming classes, your child follows tailored instructions that align with their specific swimming abilities and goals. Close interaction with the private swim instructor allows them to learn from immediate feedback and quickly adapt to the environment without feeling pressured.
Children’s private swimming lessons may be expensive. However, your child significantly benefits from the instructor’s full attention. Personalised instructions also build confidence, allowing your child to master swimming skills faster. Moreover, they are worth it if you have a child with special needs or phobias.
Group Vs. Private: Which One Is Good for Your Children?
Choosing between group and private swim lessons is the hardest decision, especially when enrolling your child for the first time. Luckily, after teaching swim lessons for years, here is my verdict about group vs private swim lessons.
| Choose group lessons if you want: | Choose private or small group lessons if you want: |
| Social interaction: Children develop social skills faster when they work together as a group. Hence, a group swimming lesson equips your child with valuable social skills through turn-taking and healthy competition. | One-on-one attention: One benefit of private swimming is the instructor’s full attention. This allows the teacher to track your child’s progress and provide immediate feedback. |
| Peer learning: Watching others overcome water challenges motivates your toddler to do the same. Most group lessons are also goal-oriented, encouraging each group to compete toward achieving a common goal. | Customised learning: Swimming can be challenging for nervous or self-conscious children. Therefore, private lessons encourage your children to overcome their fears, creating a comfortable learning environment without the fear of competition. |
| Lower cost: Unlike private, group swimming lessons are cheaper. This makes them a valuable starting point for helping your child develop essential water safety skills without a substantial financial commitment. | The convenience of location and flexibility on scheduling: Group swimming lessons for kids require adhering to set times and instructions. However, with private lessons, you can choose a comfortable location and schedule for your child to learn swimming. |
From Your Child’s Needs: Are Private or Group Lessons Better?
Understanding your child’s swimming experience and unique needs is key to choosing appropriate swimming lessons. If your child is a new swimmer, group lessons are ideal as they equip new swimmers with water safety, confidence, and survival skills. However, if your child has special needs or phobias, I recommend you to look for a private swim instructor to provide specialised care and help your child overcome their fears.
Is Yosur Child Extrovert or Introvert?
An extroverted child can thrive and feel safer in a group of other swimmers. Therefore, enrolling them in a group swimming class encourages them to make new friends and participate in swimming competitions without feeling overwhelmed. Conversely, an introverted child values their privacy and feels comfortable swimming alone or with their closest friends. Hence, enrolling them in private lessons allows them to focus on vital swimming techniques without the anxiety of being watched by others.
How Well Does Your Child Pay Attention?
Choosing between private and group swimming lessons for kids sometimes hinges on your child’s attention span. Group classes often follow set timelines and instructions, which can be longer than private lessons. Therefore, your child can learn much from group lessons if they have a longer attention span.
Conversely, most private swim lessons follow customised instructions focusing on specific goals. These make them ideal for children with special needs. Each class lasts about half an hour, making it suitable for easily distracted children.
Why Swim4life’s Tailored Lessons Are the Best Choice?
Are you among the parents searching the internet for private 1 to 1 swimming lessons near me? Choosing the best swim classes for your child often relies on their learning style, attention span, personality, and long-term goals. However, you should also consider the school’s curricula and the available certified instructors.
Luckily, at Swim4Life, we pride ourselves on customised lessons tailored to your child’s specific needs. Our classes also last about 30 minutes, ensuring your child receives full attention and tips without feeling exhausted. Book an appointment today at one of our swim schools in Tarneit, Williams Landing, and surrounding areas and see your child become the most confident and skilled swimmer.
