Swimming
History of sports Series
What’s inside...
This volume focuses on swimming, examining its origins and tracing the evolution of the rules, strategy, and even philosophy of the sport. Memorable moments and colorful personalities are discussed, as well as the important social and political issues that have shaped the sport. It also traces the evolution of competitive swimming, from the first organized races in the 1830s to the present day, profiling the prominent figures in the sport as well as important controversies, such as the use of steroids by Olympic swimmers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the fish were feeling when they swam in different parts of the ocean?
How do you think swimming helps the fish in their daily lives?
If you were a fish in this book, which part of the ocean would you want to explore and why?
What can we learn from the way the fish cooperate and interact with each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your conversation with general thoughts about swimming and then gradually guide the discussion towards the specific scenarios in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine being one of the characters, asking them how they would feel and react in certain situations presented in the book.
Use expressive questions that require more than a yes or no answer to help your child articulate their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences, such as teamwork in school or relationships with friends, to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges while learning to swim but continues to practice despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting in the face of challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate during swimming lessons and relay races, showing how working together leads to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea of working cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Safety Awareness
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of water safety through the characters' experiences and the guidance of their coach.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice safety and be cautious in swimming pools or near bodies of water.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: As the characters improve their swimming skills, they also develop greater self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that mastering new skills can increase self-confidence and encourage them to try new activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The narrative includes aspects of respecting the aquatic environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and care for their natural surroundings and to be mindful of their impact on ecosystems.