Hey everyone — quick update and an invitation. 💛 Right now, the entire Naviating Neva Skool space is 100% free. Every course, every module, every lesson. And I’ve built it this way on purpose, because I want aquatic professionals, instructors, parents, and leaders to have real support while we grow this community together. Here’s what’s coming next: 1️⃣ Once we reach 200 members, the Skool will become a paid community. (or maybe not, you can vote.) Nothing changes today — but when we hit that number, we’ll shift into a paid model so I can keep creating the depth of training, tools, and support you’ve all been asking for. If there’s someone you want to invite, now is the perfect time to bring them in while it’s still free. 2️⃣ When we reach 100 members, some courses will become paid modules. Not all — I’ll always keep core training and foundational content free.But specialty courses, leadership tracks, in-service modules, trauma-aware aquatics, and advanced trainings will eventually move to the paid tier. If you want full access locked in, join now and share it with someone who would love it. 3️⃣ I’m happy to create courses you request. If there’s something you want for: - In-service training - Staff development - Instructor onboarding - Special populations (ADHD, autism, trauma-aware, sensory profiles) - Leadership, communication, or deck management Just tell me. This Skool exists to make your work easier, your team stronger, and your teaching smoother.

Most people think swim lessons are about kicking, breathing, floating, or learning strokes. But the truth is this: Before a child learns a skill, they learn how to feel. Before they master a movement, they master their emotions. Before they trust the water, they trust the person in the water with them. That’s emotional intelligence — and it’s at the heart of everything I teach. What is Emotional Intelligence in the Water? It’s the ability to recognize: - When a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed - When fear is creeping in - When connection matters more than correction - When to slow down, pause, breathe, and re-regulate - When a child is giving cues we need to respect, not push through 😩 Children communicate long before they speak. Their bodies tell you exactly what they need — if you know how to listen. This is where most traditional lesson models fall apart. They teach skills faster than they teach trust. They push performance before emotional readiness. And they mistake compliance for confidence. That’s why Joyful Waters was born.

Seeking sensory input” means a child is looking for specific feelings — pressure, movement, vibration, resistance, or grounding — to help their body feel organized, safe, and regulated. In water, this shows up 10x stronger because water gives constant sensory feedback. **** Sensory Input in Swim Lessons Isn’t “Misbehavior”—It’s Regulation. In the pool, every child’s nervous system wakes up. Water gives pressure, movement, resistance, sound, vibration—all the things the brain uses to feel safe and organized. So when a child: • Pushes off the wall 20 times • Spins in the water • Repeats jumps • Clings tightly • Goes under fast • Kicks big and hard They aren’t being “wild.” They are seeking the sensory input their body needs to participate. In Joyful Waters, we don’t punish or shut that down. We observe it, use it, and channel it into learning. Because once a child’s nervous system feels grounded, their confidence increases, their breath settles, and they begin to master movement with joy—not fear. Meeting sensory needs IS teaching. And when we honor how each child’s body communicates, their progress becomes natural, safe, and sustainable. Working on my next course, it will be about this!!

Just read with interest under CLASSROOM your Crayon box Theory🖍 You asked if there was something we'd like further explained...emotional intelligence with real life stories please!

This is my progression. We do it on the stairs with our face and we do it on a bar until we’re comfy and then I take all supporting items away.