4d (edited) • General discussion
Sensory Input
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!!
2
0 comments
Sensory Input
powered by
skool.com/navigating-neva-5481
Exploring the psychology, safety, and soul of aquatics—where leadership, learning, and emotional intelligence meet.
Suggested communities
Powered by