On island, all together Rhythmic breathing - exhale slowly underwater, breath at surface

Child should blow LONG bubbles underwater - these are BOBS, not DIPS. For those struggling with blowing long, count for them slowly to 3, 4, or 5 - it helps to have a target number. Advanced: focus on taking one quick breath in.

Face in & blow bubbles Hold knees to chest, tuck in chin (curl up body as if a ball) Blow bubbles as long as possible or until sunk to bottom & push up One at a time Depending on child's buoyancy assistance may be required for child to descend

Give a GENTLE push to help child start to sink. If child is staying afloat, it probably means that they are not blowing bubbles / exhaling properly. Remind child to make a noise (say "oooo", "eeee", or "hum") to blow bubbles.

Hands in front, arms straight but not over-extended Kick on front through hoop

Always have child start by reaching hands forward. Watch for correct hand placement (pencil - hands in front OR "i" - hands on top of legs/thighs) and straight arms to encourage proper body position.

Hands in front, arms straight but not over-extended Kick on front

Start with shoulders in water so child pushes forward and does not "fall" in water. Watch for correct hand and arm placement (hands in front, arms straight but not over-extended) to encourage proper body position. If using a small dive ring, be sure arms are straight and reaching forward.

Use flippers to strengthen kick.

Hands on top of legs/thighs Glide on front One at a time, Island to teacher and back OR Island to island/stairs

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage proper body position, arms straight. If using a small dive ring, be sure child is holding it properly - palms to body and arms straight.

Child with noodle around back, under arms Child kicks propulsively with face in water, looking down One at a time

Watch for bubbles and proper head position while kicking. Physically manipulate legs to practice proper kicking motion.

Hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on front Island to teacher and back, Island to island/stairs

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage proper body position, arms straight. If using a small dive ring, be sure child is holding it properly - palms to body and arms straight.

Use flippers to strengthen kick.

Child to island Child glides on back with hands on top of legs/thighs Teacher pushes on bottoms of child's feet to initiate glide

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage long body position, arms straight.

Child holding triangle board on top of legs Kick on back Teacher support only as necessary

Be sure child is holding triangle board properly - thumbs on bottom and other fingers on top, hands apart / close to outside corners of triangle board (simulating placement of hands on legs), arms straight.

Use flippers to strengthen kick. For more advanced swimmers, hold a small ring instead of a triangle board.

Jump in from edge One at a time

Child holds railing as necessary Child walks up stairs