Level PS 1 - Lesson 01
Lesson Overview
Welcome to this exciting journey where we dive deep into the fun world of swimming for preschoolers. This lesson, specifically designed for our little learners, aims to familiarize them with the water environment and help them build basic confidence and comfort around it.
By the end of this lesson, our young swimmers will be able to perform basic water safety skills, such as entering and exiting the pool safely, blowing bubbles in the water, and floating with assistance. Furthermore, they will learn about the importance of following pool rules and how to interact with others in the pool. This lesson is the first step in establishing a strong foundation for future swimming skills and water safety awareness.
Key Objectives
Key Objectives
- Introduce preschoolers to the swimming environment, ensuring they become comfortable and not afraid of the water.
- Teach basic water safety rules to the preschoolers. This includes not running around the pool, always having a grown-up present while swimming, and the importance of wearing swimming aids.
- Help preschoolers understand the concept of floating, both on their backs and their fronts. They will be guided through exercises that demonstrate this principle.
- Begin instruction on simple swimming movements such as kicking and paddling. The objective is to get the preschoolers moving in the water using these basic techniques.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in a safe and controlled environment. The safety of the preschoolers is paramount and all exercises should be supervised by a qualified instructor.
- Prepare preschoolers for future swimming lessons by instilling a positive attitude towards swimming and water-based activities.
Equipment Required
- Swimming aids: Floats, noodles, and arm bands that help the preschoolers stay afloat.
- Swimming costumes: Appropriate swimwear for all children participating in the lesson.
- Life jacket: In case of emergencies.
- First aid kit: For any minor injuries or accidents.
Entry Down Stairs - P04
Child holds railing and teacher's hand Child walks down stairs to teacher
Progression
Child walks down with teacher assistance
This Is The Way - P02
At stairs Follow actions in lyrics
Progression
Child at stairs
Lyrics
- This is the way we jump up high, jump up high, jump up high
- This is the way we jump up high
- In the swimming pool
- ... go swish swish
- ... turn around
- ... splash our hands
- ... make it rain
- ... kick our feet
- ... blow our bubbles
- ... disappear
Ball Game - P02
At stairs Children blow bubbles Balls pop out from bucket underwater Teacher pours some water over each child's head to get face wet Children walk on stairs to collect balls and put back in bucket
As soon as balls pop out, sweep all balls with your arms to stairs to keep children from swimming off.
Progression
Child at stairs
Lyrics
- Pick up the balls and put them in the basket
- Pick up the balls and put them in the basket
- Pick up the balls and put them in the basket
- Here at swimming class
Elevator Game
Elevator button is teacher's nose Child presses button Elevator goes up to 1st floor (lift child up slightly) Then 2nd floor (lift child up a bit more) Then down to the basement (underwater) and child blows bubbles One at a time
Be aware of child's readiness to be submerged at a level that is comfortable for him/her - mouth, eyes, or full submersion. Let child's weight take them underwater - do NOT pull underwater.
Progression
Child
Toy Chase
Child puts toy on teacher's head Push-off & swim to teacher Get toy Swim back to island/stairs Island to teacher and back
Progression
Child puts toy on teacher's head Push-off & swim to teacher Get toy Swim back to island/stairs
Duck Ride
All together Children lie on duck mat on front and kick
Be sure child's hips and legs are off the mat, in the water. Be sure child does not push mat down.
Progression
Lie on mat and kick
Back Swim - P01
Teacher holds child on back Child glides on back with hands on top of legs/thighs
Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage long body position, arms straight.
Progression
Assisted back glide
Sit & Tip Forward (Humpty Dumpty)
Sit & tip forward into water, stretch out to glide One at a time "Humpty Dumpty"
Progression
Sit & tip forward into water, stretch out to glide
Lyrics
- Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
- Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
- Ready, swim!
If You're Happy And You Know It - P02
At stairs Follow actions in lyrics
Progression
Child at stairs
Lyrics
- If you're happy and you know it, jump up high
- If you're happy and you know it, jump up high
- If you're happy and you know it and you really wanna show it
- If you're happy and you know it, jump up high
- ... go swish swish
- ... turn around
- ... splash your hands
- ... make it rain
- ... kick your feet
- ... blow your bubbles
- ... disappear
Exit Up Stairs - P04
Child holds railing and/or teacher's hand as necessary Child walks up stairs to exit pool
Progression
Child walks up with teacher assistance