A Thought for You as the Pool Gets Quieter


Hi, Mark here — I hope the end of term is treating you kindly.

As we reach that time of year when routines shift, the pool quietens down, and many people focus on family, rest, and celebrations of all kinds, it’s natural for swimming to slip a little lower on everyone’s list. Teachers are wrapping up blocks of lessons, parents are juggling end-of-year commitments, and many of us are simply ready for a breather.

This calmer period can actually be a gift.
A chance to pause, reflect, and reset before the new term begins.

Here are a few gentle prompts you might find helpful:

End-of-Term Reflection Questions

  • What went really well this term — and why?
  • Which swimmers surprised you with unexpected progress?
  • Is there one skill or stroke you want to refine in your teaching next term?
  • What drained your energy… and what lifted it?

Even five minutes with a warm drink and a few notes can make January feel clearer and more intentional.

A Small Resource for Your Quiet Weeks

If you like planning ahead during these calmer moments, you might find my Swimming Teacher Toolkits useful. They’re designed to give you structure, spark ideas, and lighten the load when lesson planning starts again — particularly if you’re mentoring new staff or managing varied groups.

No pressure at all - just something to explore if you want a head start for the new year:

Take the Break You’ve Earned

You’ve guided nervous beginners, reassured parents, celebrated breakthroughs, and kept lessons moving even on the tough days. You deserve a proper rest - whatever this time of year looks like for you.

Wishing you a peaceful end to the term and a smooth, stress-free transition into the new year.
If you need anything or want help planning ahead, I’m right here.

That's all for this week. Happy teaching!

Cheers

Mark

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Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach

I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.

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