Every Tuesday, students in Grades 1 – 12 from Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) Airdrie schools are in the pool at Genesis Place strengthening their physical, communication and social skills.

Launched by RVS’ Learning department this year, the program is open to students who have identified a desire to improve their social and/or functional communication, functional motor skills, personal growth and independence and/or community living.

According to Divisional Supervisor, Learning Supports, Karen Duffy students attending the program learn they can do more than they thought they could and the skills they develop transfer to the classroom with these students becoming more independent, motivated and engaged in more interactions with their peers.

Duffy said more of these students struggle with motor skills than expected and these struggles are often disguised in the classroom as behaviour or attention issues or manifest as disengagement. Approximately 26 students from seven Airdrie schools took part in the program this year. During each session, the students are given an opportunity to experience success in a supported environment. It’s been gratifying for staff involved in the program to witness the many positive outcomes.

Supported by learning assistants, a physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech language pathologist, the students learn water safety and strengthen their motor function and skills. By visiting a public community setting, they gain confidence, independence and experience at the pool, on the bus and while transitioning between the two locations. They also grow connections with peers and adults by using their social and communication skills.

Learning Assistant, Tabatha Brownell said the program has helped the students she works with at Heloise Lorimer School to develop many important skills as they relax in the water. One of her students is now able to more easily maintain her regulation in the classroom while the other is more motivated to work on his communication skills using what he learned by participating in the program.

Play-based learning that is focused on solutions encourages the students to focus, be attentive and learn how to follow directions, Brownell said.

Offered in partnership with Genesis Place, the students spend about an hour in the pool at each session. To be eligible, the student must be able to follow directions from adults, change – or be supported in changing – from a sitting to a standing position, walk independently and want to be in the water.

Parents have told Duffy and Brownell they are grateful and thankful for the program. Their children have told them they are excited to go to school on “pool day”. Duffy said the students are often eager to complete their schoolwork on days they are going to the program.

RVS’ Learning department intends to continue the aquatics program next year and to expand it to more locations, including Cochrane and Chestermere as well as increasing the length of the program. The department is working on building up the repertoire of activities and equipment they use in the program to support both students and staff.