CHCFC502A - Scenario: Swimming - Reinforcing Safety Rules

[Steffelz]

Your Assignment Module Number and Heading: Case Study
Your Assignment Type: Case Scenario
Currently Working in Childcare? Yes
Your knowledge: Beginner

Your Question?
I have answered the sections of this case study and I was wondering if someone could check my answers for me

A group of 5 year olds from a long day center are attending swimming lessons to foster their physical development. Their educator, Jaime, decides there is a need to reinforce the safety rules for being near water before they commence their lessons. She constructs a special swimming safety lesson to remind the group of their safety obligations during physical play near water.
There is one girl who is of the Muslim faith and her parents don’t want her to take part in the swimming activity, as they don’t want her to be seen by others in a bathing suit. Another child is visually impaired and although the educator will be in the pool and a part of the activity to assist them, he is terrified of taking part.

What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
Questions and answers below in Description and message box

Description and Message:
6. Write a list of issues the educator should raise with the children and the best methods to ensure the children understand and remember the rule and the behaviour expected.
Ensure you include ways that the children can take some responsibility of their own safety in this environment and hoe to encourage their confidence when taking part in the swimming activity.

ANSWER:
LIST OF ISSUES:
- Stop, Look and Listen
- Stay where educator can see you
- Walk, DON’T RUN
- Keep hair tied up to avoid entrapment
- Keep your hands to yourself unless instructed by an educator
- No pushing, tripping etc.
- Be aware of people and objects around you
- Help friends out
- No teasing friends
- Be supportive of friends
- Suncream and sun safety


Firstly I would talk with the class about what they remember about water safety, then I would show them an age appropriate dvd about water safety which includes the issues in the list mentioned above. After the dvd I would discuss the dvd we had just watched.
I would stress the importance of sun safety as this is something that they have the ability to do themselves, and by taking responsibility of their actions they will feel confident and independent.
I would teach the children the rules and obligations mentioned above by teaching them songs and rhymes with actions and would get them to assist me in creating a play/demonstration of various scenarios related to water safety.
The childrens confidence will also be encouraged by practicing the scenarios in a safe environment, by the educators being enthusiasticly involved in the process, by the discussions we will have as a class about safety and danger etc. By encouraging and praising everybodys efforts no matter how much they feel ok to do, and by us as educators, keeping the childrens best interest in mind
When they understand these safety measures they can take ownership of their actions, which will help them to feel confident, independent, able and safe



7. Describe the importance of the educator respecting each childs level of participation in physical activities in relation to this case study.

ANSWER:
All children are different, with different thoughts, opinions, abilities, skill development and participation levels. It is the acceptance of these differences that make the children feel part of a group.
In this case study, the children are going swimming. All the children will have different capabilities and confidence levels in relation to the water, they all need positive reinforcement, praise and encouragement for their efforts.
Two children in particular stand out to me in this case study, the first is the Muslim girl, and as her parents have chosen not to let her get into the water, it could be very easy for her to feel left out, we need to show respect and acceptance by ensuring that she does not get teased, and by making her involved in other ways, and keeping a positive attitude and keeping her involved.
The second child that stood out for me was the boy who is visually impaired, and terrified of taking part. There are various things that we could do to try to involve him, and to encourage him to join in but we must not force him to join in. If he chooses not to join in we need to let him know that his decision is ok too.


8. Describe how an educator could demonstrate enthusiasm for this activity to encourage the reluctant child to take part


ANSWER:
Demonstrating enthusiasm and showing encouragement should begin long before we go to the pool. It would start with the safety lesson, where I would show the dvds, talk with the children and ask for their opinions on the topic and listen to their concerns and answer their questions as well as demonstrating what they can expect when they go to the pool.
I could ask the reluctant child about his favourite activity and incorporate it into the swimming lesson. I have always loved water so I am naturally very excited about it and I would show this in my attitude and a positive manner of talking about it. I would also join in and demonstrate what they need to do before the children attempt it (this can lighten the mood as children always love their teachers getting involved). Whilst I am involved in the activity I will make positive statements that express my genuine enjoyment relating to whatever it is that I am currently taking part in. Any effort that the child does make to be involved will be recognised and praised.


Why is it important that the educator participated with the children to help foster their physical development


ANSWER
This is important as the children will be looking to us to learn the behaviour that is expected of them. We are their role models. Children learn through imitation so by us getting involved in this swimming activity, we are teaching them that this is a safe, fun activity and we are also promoting physical activity in a positive manner.