By Goldfish Swim School, Jan 2025
Goldfish Swim School prioritizes keeping children engaged, active, and eager to learn! Its proven curriculum, The Science of SwimPlay, reflects this commitment, which integrates play-based learning to enhance skill development. While play is often associated with younger children, it remains a fundamental tool for growth and learning at all ages.
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning
Learning is commonly linked to structured classrooms, but research highlights play as a key driver of cognitive and physical development. Play-based learning fosters engagement improves attention spans and strengthens problem-solving abilities. Children’s attention spans typically range from 3 to 5 minutes per year, making play valuable for sustaining focus and retention. By incorporating meaningful activities into lessons, children remain engaged and absorb information more effectively.
Play is essential for brain development beyond attention span. Through play, young children explore their surroundings and build foundational skills, while older children refine their problem-solving abilities, resilience, and social skills.
Expert Insight
Board-certified pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shea emphasizes the role of independent play — such as puzzles, crafts, and mechanical toys — in fostering creativity, resilience, and fine motor skills. Unstructured peer play, including recess or group activities like family swims, teaches children to negotiate, manage conflict, and develop friendships. These social skills are crucial for emotional growth and long-term success.
Play-Based Learning at Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School recognizes that every child learns differently, but fun remains central to the process. While older swimmers focus on advanced techniques, instructors incorporate interactive games and creative methods to reinforce learning.
For example, swim instructors use visualization techniques like “making a rainbow” to teach backstroke mechanics, helping children grasp proper form through familiar concepts. Role-playing, themed activities, and real-world scenarios further enhance engagement, making learning feel like play.
Play takes many forms. Some children practice breath control by making fish faces before diving underwater, while others develop teamwork and strategy through games like sharks and minnows. Regardless of age or skill level, integrating play into swim lessons keeps children motivated, engaged, and excited to progress.
New to Goldfish Swim School?
See them in person. Schedule a tour or sign up for a free trial lesson at your preferred location, including:
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- Alexandria, VA
3155-B Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 348-3261 - Falls Church, VA
7395 Route 29, Ste. K, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 348-3261 - Reston, VA
12340 Pinecrest Rd., Reston, VA 20191
(703) 348-3261
- Alexandria, VA
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