Frost Progress Report for Granny

This post is mainly for Granny Anne who always asks "how is Frost's swimming?". We grew up near the Indian Ocean - a sea that is warm enough to enjoy swimming in - and had friends and family with pools in their own yards! I know that she wants to take Frost to hot and sunny places with swimming pools and to coral reefs where one must float with a snorkel so swimming is important - probably like skiing for those with snow outside their door all winter.

For the past two weeks Frost has been in the Beginner 1 class at the local private pool. The lessons are for 30 minutes with 15 minutes of "free play" before or after the session. Last time Frost did some lessons was 2 years ago and he was very reluctant at that time. This summer it is a totally different situation. He loves swimming lessons and was keen that I sign him up for another 2 week session.

I didn't mind. It gives our days a nice structure as we walk through the playground on the way home and get back in time for lunch and nap. Wren runs around the pool and has his own landmarks like "BIG CLOCK" and "TENT" (the pool plastic used to cover it overnight).

So, Mum, here is Frost's official Swimming Progress Report for BEGINNER ONE:

Frost can always do:
Crawlstroke, good form for a few strokes.
Rhythmic breathing to the side, 10 times, on the kickboard
Kick width of pool with kickboard
Beginning Standing dive in 9ft of water
Knows safety rules and assists others

Frost is working on learning these skills
Back float for 30 seconds (can only do aobut 15 seconds)
Do backstroke for 25 feet (he is dragged along for this!)
Crawlstroke with side breathing across pool. (can't get that far, starts to doggie paddle)

When I told him that I was writing a blog post about his swimming he asked me to add how he reads "very fast now". He also wanted me to tell you that he finished the second of the Wimpy Kid books. He read Rodrick Rules in 2 days and said "I think this was a really fun book. Parents of a child I think maybe would think it has a lot of naughtiness but not bad words so lots of kids will like it but some parents will have a problem with it but kids will like it a lot.... I think they will."