Level 01 - Lesson 01
Lesson Overview
Welcome to an engaging and practical journey into the world of swimming! Today's lesson is designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of swimming, with a special emphasis on water safety and foundational skills. Our goal is to help students become comfortable in the water while simultaneously teaching them the essential basics they need. This foundational lesson will serve as a stepping stone for future swimming proficiency.
Throughout this lesson, we will be utilizing a variety of teaching methods and engaging activities to ensure students grasp the basics firmly. We aim to not only make this a learning experience but also an enjoyable one that will inspire our young learners to continue exploring swimming. Please note that this lesson includes clear objectives, a list of necessary materials, a comprehensive step-by-step instructional guide, and effective methods for assessing student progress. So, let's dive into this exciting world of swimming!
Key Objectives
- To familiarize students with the water environment and help them develop a level of comfort and confidence in the water.
- To introduce basic water safety rules and procedures, such as never swimming alone, staying within designated swimming areas, and understanding the importance of adult supervision.
- To teach fundamental swimming skills, including floating, kicking, and the basic arm movements for the front crawl.
- To prepare students for more advanced swimming lessons by building a strong foundation of basic swimming techniques and water safety knowledge.
- To encourage active participation and engagement through fun and interactive swimming games and activities.
- Swimming pool with a shallow end suitable for beginners
- Swimming caps and goggles for all students
- Floatation devices such as pool noodles or kickboards for teaching floating and kicking techniques
- Waterproof markers for marking the safe swimming area
- Whistle for getting students' attention
- First aid kit for any minor injuries or accidents
Entry Down Ladder - P05
Free standing One child at a time Child turns to enter backwards down ladder
Progression
Child climbing backward down ladder
Front Propulsion - P01
Children sitting on side of pool Small fast kicking Teacher hand over the knee
Progression
Sitting poolside
Front Sculling - P01
Teacher pours water on child's hands to explain and feel pressure and feel for water Child standing hands in water Arms outstretching inwards thumbs up on "v") Moving arms from "i" to "v" position and front (palms facing outwards thumbs down)
Progression
Feeling water
Front Sculling - P02
Teacher to demonstrate movement to child Child walking with hands in water Arms outstretched Moving arms from "i" to "v" position and front (palms facing outwards thumbs down on out-sweep "i", palms facing inwards thumbs up on in-sweep "v") Teacher assists as needed
Progression
Feeling water whilst moving
Submersion - P02
Child standing Bend at knees Child holds breath as mouth is on or under water line Child stands
Progression
Gaining confidence with water around face
Submersion - P01
Child standing Bend at knees Child places left ear on water then right ear on water Repeat ears on water encouraging children to have lips and nose in water Child blows air out on water to stand
Ears on water, lips in water
Progression
Gaining confidence with water on face
Front Float>5 - P01
Front hold Eye to eye contact Teacher moves child side to side in water No Submersion
Progression
Gaining confidence on front and establishing trust with Teacher
Front Float>5 - P02
Front hold Eye to eye contact Teacher moves backward with child
Progression
Gaining confidence being moved through water
Front Propulsion - P03
On mat or with aid lined up across pool Lying on front Kick on cue small fast kicks with Teacher holding the mat
Progression
Lying on mat kicking
Front Propulsion - P02
Children sitting on a mat Small fast kicking Teacher hand over the knee
Progression
Sitting on mat kicking
Exit Up Ladder - P05
Free standing One child at a time Child ascends ladder Teacher support as needed
Progression
Child climbs up ladder with support