What swim lesson instructors and parents must understand is that the child is still learning even when it appears they are not. Learning simply doesn't always occur in nice, easy-to-see steps. Instead, a cumulation of learning experiences is often required before you see a noticeable improvement.
This improvement or progress usually appears to come from nowhere, and when it happens, teachers and parents try to pinpoint what just happened. What did the swim instructor just do to get that result? What did the swim teacher say? But in fact, while the student was able to make an improvement in what appeared to be in a flash, it wasn't in a flash at all. The progress that was just made was only possible because of the all the previous experiences when it seemed as if the student wasn't learning anymore.
Lastly, I want to ask all parents and swim teachers, that when in doubt, turn to the late and legendary John Wooden for advice. Here's a link to a short video clip of John Wooden talking about what it means for a child to achieve success.
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