JOYFUL WATERS SELF-CHECK QUIZ

Joyful Waters isn’t a program you have to memorize — it’s a philosophy rooted in emotional safety, connection, child readiness, and trauma-aware teaching.

Many instructors already teach this way without realizing it.

This 25-question quiz is a simple self-check to see how closely your teaching style aligns with the Joyful Waters approach. There are no “wrong” answers and no passing score. It’s simply a reflection tool to help you understand your natural teaching tendencies.

At the end of the quiz, you’ll have the option to receive:

⭐ A Joyful Waters Digital Alignment Badge
— a small icon you can display on your website, email signature, or social media to show that your teaching style naturally aligns with trauma-aware, emotionally intelligent aquatic instruction.

⭐ A Joyful Waters Window/Water Bottle Decal
— mailed to you if you choose.

⭐ Or Both.

This is an honor-based reflection. If your answers show strong alignment, you’re welcome to proudly display the badge and decal.

Joyful Waters celebrates instructors who lead with emotional intelligence, connection, and compassion in the water — and this quiz helps you see where you shine.

These are simple, self-reflective, emotional-intelligence-based.

I adjust the pace of the lesson based on the swimmer’s emotional state.

I model breathing instead of telling swimmers to “calm down.”

I stop what I’m doing when I notice freeze or withdrawal cues.

I avoid forcing a child to do a skill they are resisting.

I focus on building trust during the first lesson, not skills.

I let swimmers observe or take breaks when they need regulation.

I celebrate emotional progress (comfort, confidence) equally to skill progress.

I adapt drills based on sensory needs or overwhelm.

I am comfortable slowing down when a child regresses or is afraid.

I prioritize connection with the swimmer before any correction.

I communicate with parents about emotional progress, not just technical skills.

I avoid using bribes, pressure, or “push through it” tactics.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE SCENARIOS

A toddler clings to their parent at lesson start. You:

A. Tell the parent to hand them to youB. Sit beside them and begin gentle playC. Promise a reward if they get in

A child starts to cry when water gets on their face. You:

A. Do a quick submersion so they “get used to it”B. Wipe their face and keep going with the planC. Pause and co-regulate before continuing

A parent says, “She needs to swim by June.” You respond:

A. “We’ll push harder to make sure she gets there.”B. “Let’s focus on comfort, trust, and readiness first.”C. “Okay — I’ll increase drill time.”D. "Whatever you want, you are the customer."

A swimmer shuts down and stops responding. You:

A. Try a higher-energy gameB. Continue the drillC. Sit with them, breathe together, and resetD. Ignore their behavior; they are seeking attention and you won't give in.

A fearful swimmer refuses to put their face in. You:

A. Demonstrate slowly and invite them to watchB. Gently push their shoulders forwardC. Ask the parent to helpD. Tell them they must do this to ... (earn their badge, get the toy, get out)

A child screams during back float practice. You:

A. Say “You’re okay! You’re fine!”B. Sit them upright and reconnect before trying againC. Have them float with a noodleD. Ignore the screams and complete the float practice.

A swimmer says “No” to a task. You:

A. Respect their no and offer a choiceB. Explain why they must do it anywayC. Try again later without askingD. Bribe them.

During a group lesson, one swimmer lags behind. You:

A. Speed up so the others don’t get boredB. Adjust the plan so everyone stays regulatedC. Call the slow swimmer to the front

A parent asks, “When will she go underwater?” You:

A. “Once her body shows she feels ready.”B. “Probably next week.”C. “As soon as we teach her how to blow bubbles.”

A child refuses to glide. You:

Push them gently to help them feel itB. Let them hold you and try togetherC. Move to kicking drills

A baby cries during a roll-to-float. You:

A. Stop immediately and return to upright regulationB. Finish the movement so they don’t “win”C. Hand them to the parent

A neurodivergent swimmer becomes overstimulated. You:

A. Reduce sensory input and slow paceB. Increase activity to distract themC. Have them sit out

At the end of the lesson, you:

A. Highlight their effort and emotional winsB. Only discuss the skills completedC. Tell the parent what went wrong

SCORING TIERS

40–50 points → JOYFUL WATERS ALIGNED INSTRUCTOR
You already naturally teach in a trauma-aware, emotionally intelligent way.
You get:

Digital badge
Decal (if they want)
Option to join a JW-aligned instructor directory

30–39 points → EMERGING ALIGNMENT
You show many JW behaviors but sometimes fall into traditional teaching patterns.
Qualifies for the digital badge, you actively leaning toward JW principles.
You can optionally provide a note:
“You already teach with heart — continuing to build on this approach will deepen everything you do.”

20–29 points → INSTRUCTOR WITH POTENTIAL ALIGNMENT
You care about emotional safety but may need more clarity on JW principles.

0–19 points → NOT YET JOYFUL WATERS ALIGNED

Instructor Verification & Badge Request
Please complete the section below to confirm your submission and to let us know whether you’d like to receive any Joyful Waters alignment materials.

1. Signature
I affirm that the answers I submitted reflect my genuine teaching style and personal approach to instruction. I understand that the Joyful Waters Alignment Badge represents alignment with an emotionally supportive, trauma-aware philosophy, not a certification or license.

Signature

Date

Email Address (required if you want the digital badge)Your Joyful Waters Alignment Badge will be emailed to this address. Email:

Would you like your digital badge?

Yes, please send my Digital Joyful Waters Alignment BadgeNo, thank you

Would you like a Joyful Waters window decal? (Choose one)

Yes, please mail me a Joyful Waters Window DecalNo, thank you

Important Note About the Decal Fee
Joyful Waters window decals are optional and available for a small $7 materials & mailing fee.
You will receive an invoice at the email address you provided.

The digital badge is always free.

Permission to List You on Our Website

Yes, you may list me publicly as a Joyful Waters–Aligned InstructorNo, I prefer to stay private

Final Consent

I understand that submitting this form does not create employment or certification and is solely an alignment recognition within the Joyful Waters philosophy.No, I do not consent.