Why books about water are so important
Teaching children to swim is so rewarding. For many, it is the most exciting part of their week – dunking under the surface, wiggling their arms to make waves, feeling the invigorating flow of water across their bodies. Personally, I specifically love teaching on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, as I can literally see the pressures and expectations of the children’s school-week wash away with every splash.
For me, water has always been the best place to be. The swim parties, the beach trips, the holidays abroad, the family fun – water is more often than not the centrepiece to our best memories. It represents getting away, letting go, being together, feeling refreshed and having fun!
Despite this (and of course, I am biased, but) I really believe that there aren’t enough books on shelves for children that centre on the theme of swimming.
There aren’t no books out there about water, of course. There are some beautiful pre-school picture books about the ocean, like the gorgeous Sea by Britta Teckentrup. But when children reach the age of about 5, they need more than picture books to further their swim journey and there’s a gap in the market for a great swim-centred story.
Books for older readers focused on swimming are needed because at this age children are starting to have more of an opinion about things like swimming. As they start school, they are becoming aware of what their likes and dislikes are, what their future life hobbies might be. Those that haven’t experienced swimming at all yet, at this age might even start to develop a rational fear of water, one that takes some work to overcome (I teach many primary-aged children who are in the process of working through those water anxieties). Literature could help guide them in the right direction.
1 in 5 children are receiving SEND support in school and as teachers we give individualised and additional support in swim lessons, too. Children’s brains are navigating a lot in our current world and the water can be a pretty over-stimulating place to be – whether they have diagnosed SEND or not, sometimes children do need something extra to help them fall in love with swimming and to understand why they are being asked to do it (this is the part of my job I love the most). A brilliant story centred around the thrill of swimming and the magic of water (would be welcomed by those who love swimming, of course, but also) could support tailored learning in the water and inspire future passions.
Are you convinced yet? I’ve saved the best for last.
As well as wanting to see more stories about the joy of swimming and the adventures it can open up, I also think that swim stories can play a major role in helping children acknowledge the fact that is actually vital that they learn to swim.
We live on a planet that is majority water (71% of the surface). We absolutely, unequivocally, undoubtedly need to know what to do in it. As a swim teacher, it’s will come as no surprise to you that I think that learning to swim is non-negotiable. Not only can it unlock a lifetime of memories, it can literally save your life. It’s why swimming is part of the national curriculum. It’s why many parents will prioritise it over other after-school clubs.
It’s why we need more swim books.
As teachers, we have limited time in the pool to talk to children properly about the meaning behind the skills they are being taught. Swimming activity books and non-fiction guides that engage children with why it is so important that they attend their swim lessons would be an amazing resource to share with parents.
We don’t need more dinosaur activity books – let’s create something that teaches children about water safety and swim skills. We don’t need more chapter books about dragons or wizards – let’s make one that is set in the most magical and unreal place on earth… underwater. We don’t need more non-fiction books about farm animals – how about the water instead? The one place that teaches children about exercise, health, movement, science, wildlife, nature, safety, sport, teamwork and so much more.
Well… let’s just say I’m on it.
Last year, I started work on a few different projects for children. One of those is a fiction chapter book for 5-8 year olds, The Underwater Club, which will be self-published next year. It follows two children with special needs who find a magical portal at the bottom of their swimming pool. Whilst their teacher is busy telling them off for not listening, they’re being transported to other bodies of water across the world, saving marine animals, having adventures and overcoming personal challenges.
Whilst I cook up various things in the background, I have compiled a list of some books for children that are set in the big blue, in case you are looking for something water-themed for your children. As a family we have loved some of these, with DK’s Underwater World book being one of my son’s favourites.
Hopefully you will see my name in the Amazon search results soon. In the meantime – keep reading, keep learning, keep swimming.
Photo: Canva
REBECCA GIVENS 