Sawyer with Hunter 2013 and Harrisen with Ms. Betsy 2008 This past week we had to deal with one of the harder disappointments of moving from Coweta County. We had to accept the fact that unlike Harrisen, our oldest, Sawyer, our three-year old, would not learn to swim from the world's best swim instructor, Betsy Willis. It was a devastating realization. How can anyone learn to swim from anyone other than Ms. Betsy?! Is it even possible?
Reluctantly we registered both boys for a two-week session of swim lessons lasting an hour a day. Sawyer was in the class that required a parent to participate so Tracie and I shared the responsibility. Our instructor was a dude named Hunter. As he introduced himself on the first day I wondered how is this bearded, senior engineer student at Southern Poly going to handle a couple of 18 month olds, an 8 month old and Sawyer? I had my doubts, but I was wrong! Hunter was incredible with each one of his students. Here are a few things I learned from my time in Swim Class: Teaching anything begins with relationship. Hunter came to the class on the first day with the names of each kid written on his hand. Pretty good practice when you're working in water. He called each one by his or her name. He looked them in the eye and built a rapport with them within a couple of days. He was like a lion tamer working without a whip or a chair. Not only did Hunter know Sawyer's name, Sawyer knew his. Every day Sawyer came home talking about Hunter and got up the next day ready to see Hunter. Learn what motivates different people. DAY ONE Hunter: "Kick the water with your feet, Sawyer." Sawyer: "No." Hunter: "Splash daddy with your hands, Sawyer." Sawyer: "No." Hunter: "Make bubbles with your mouth, Sawyer." Sawyer: "No." And as soon as Hunter would turn away Sawyer would do exactly what he was being asked to do. He just wasn't going to perform on command. DAY TWO Hunter: "Sawyer, I bet you can't kick the water with your feet." Hunter: "Sawyer, don't splash daddy with your hands." Hunter: "Sawyer, I'm not going to watch you make bubbles with your mouth." Almost every time Sawyer responded with the desired behavior but not the requested behavior. Hunter took the time to find the key to motivating and engaging a difficult student and he didn't give up. Bring Your Best Energy Every day Hunter brought a positive attitude, a smile, and kind words to the pool. The kids weren't scared of him and instead followed him wherever he went. He never got outwardly frustrated, encouraged even the slightest improvement, and challenged them to do more. Since Hunter earned Sawyer's trust he was able to take him and push him to do more than he was initially willing to attempt. Hunter is no Ms. Betsy yet but maybe one day they'll be telling stories of Mr. Hunter being a world-class swim instructor. I know this: Hunter's a good dude and he taught me how to make a motor boat sound while blowing bubbles. That may set him apart from Ms. Betsy.
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