Allphin

Boyce

whe

Yes, I em, Mr. Boyce. There seems to be a difference cf
opinion as to which type of instruction is the better to
give, the private or the group. Individual differences
should be taken into consideration. Some children will
respond better to the private lessons. The adult usually
desires private instruction, because he has a certain
amount of ombarrassment in letting his friends know that
he has not loarnec carlier in life. I have been asked to
speak on group instruction for children and have the
following points to present, which I believe havo signif-
icance: First, Self Testing-- It is always interesting to
the novice to see if he can master certain fundamental
skills, also if he can perform them a little better next:
time. If he is able to stay under water for five counts,
to find out if he can stay under for ten counts the next
swimming lesson. Second, Competition with his neighbor.
We all like to excell and beat our competitor. Who doesn't
like to wine The Group Instruction offers a great opport-
unity for competition. Third, Promotes courage. In any
group of children we will find a fow that will excell; a
great number that will be average, and a fow that will be
backward. This is according to the curve of distribution.
This group instruction is ospecially beneficial for the
packward child. To illustrate, let us take "Breath Holdirc
We have 25 pupils lined up and the instructor gives the
command to “fae” under water. Very few will fail in

this fundamental because they do not wish to be singled
out by the rest of the greup as not having done this part-
foular oxorcise. Therefore this psychological urge teaches
courage. Fourth, Cooperetion with the groupe This method
teaches children to have the desire to help each other in
learning some of the fundamental skills of beginning
swimming. "Partner Stunts" are included in lessons which
have a lasting effoct in teaching cooporetion. When a
backward individual has mastered a certain fundamental,

he wing social approval from the rest of the group in the
way of applausee Fifth, Friendly associations. Children
form friendships in group swimming that last through life.
This type of instruction offers a very satisfying companic
ship, especially to on egy child or to children of a famil”
who live in urban homes and who have not had the privilege
to mingle with their own age level, except possibly at
school. I notice that on Saturday morning you will
have a talk on the civic value of community recreation

by Mr. Barnard Goodrum, who is recreation supervisor for
the Park Board cf Wichita. Just whet did you have in minc
in including this paper on the swimming pool conference
program?

A great many cities in Kansas fail to realize the civic responsibility
and value of planning for the recreational life of the community.

We believe that the Park Board of Wichita has done a very construct—-
ive piece of work in making definite plans for community recreatione

I am sure that Mr. Goodrum's talk will be of interest to many. In

our opinion, Mr. Allphin, if it were not for the facilities provided
in Lawrence by the University, Lawrence people would probably realize
the inadequacy of the play facilities of this city. As fine as our