Waterconfidence

Be careful guys, this post was from Ballymore Eustace, read through for info on the rising water due to the dam release. It is always good to assess and consider all risks. Teach kids to also.

A Liffey warning. Lots of people have taken to swimming in the Liffey downstream of the Bridge in this hot spell. This spot has replaced the Pike Hole as the favoured local swim spot. BUT A WORD OF WARNING. The Liffey floods and water can rise quite quickly. As the flow is controlled by the dam it doesnt need to rain for this to happen so exercise extreme caution while paddling or swimming. Two local children aged 10/11 and proficient swimmers got into trouble today as the water was high due to water being released from the dam from earlier in the day. They had to be rescued. That siren you hear on random occasions means water is about to be released from the dam and the river levels are going to rise. Heed the warning - the river can rise by a metre or more. If the water is already high - beware - it is deep, fast moving and unpredictable. We have a great amenity in the River but pls respect its power. Be water safe.

Have a read of this, toddlers and children, filling watering cans and other exploratory activities involve a lot more learning

During time of coaching teachers in China, I met this little boy. He played for a long time, he filled and emptied the water can varied his aim of watering. Sometimes he watered his mother and they both laughed.
This game is often looked upon like "just" child's play and nonsense.
The human brain is offended by nonsense. So of course this is important. What he is discovering and learning are the basics of physics.
When I talk about what is really going on, that this is a science lesson perspective changes. The child is emptying the can and filling another, feeling and learning eg. how the weight changes, feeling the buoyancy and resistance from the water when he pushes it down to fill it again. How he learns by feeling it, that he needs to use more strength. He does it over and over again and refines the precision and is amazed by what he and the water can do together.
When you see all the facets of this little explorer and scientist work it becomes more appreciated and both the adult and child can fully enjoy it.
They wise say if you want your child to be smart - let them play!

This is a nice educational video by aquasensory on baby swimming and early baby swimming. Enjoy and Happy Easter

Baby Bathtime Newborns swims are best at home in the bath. Their sensory systems are too sensitive for public pools, at home we can regulate their environment. We are all ...