Preschoolers

This lesson plan for preschoolers provides a comprehensive 1-hour swimming lesson designed to introduce young children to basic swimming skills and water safety.
By Smart Moves
Public

Lesson Steps

Overview
1
Pop Goes the Weasel - P02
2
Sun Shower - P03
3
Back Propulsion - P06
4
Submersion - P06
5
Fishes in the Water - P11
6
Little Red Speedboat - P04
7
Exit Up Stairs - P03
Show All Steps

Lesson Overview

Welcome to an exciting day of swimming lessons designed specifically for preschoolers! Over the next hour, our little swimmers will embark on a fun-filled aquatic adventure, where they will gain confidence in the water and learn essential swimming skills. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging environment that encourages young children to explore the joys of swimming while developing their motor skills and water safety awareness. Throughout this lesson, we will introduce various water activities and games that are both educational and entertaining. By the end of our session, children will have improved their ability to float, kick, and perform basic arm movements, setting a strong foundation for future swimming success. Let's dive in and make a splash!

Key Objectives

  • Ensure all preschoolers are comfortable in the water before starting the lesson.
  • Focus on fundamental skills such as floating, kicking, and basic arm movements.
  • Maintain a high instructor-to-student ratio to ensure safety and individual attention.
  • Encourage a fun and playful environment to keep the children engaged.
  • Use positive reinforcement to build confidence and encourage participation.
  • Be vigilant about pool safety rules, such as no running and always having adult supervision.
  • Prepare the lesson plan in advance, including a variety of activities to maintain interest.
  • Warm-up exercises should be included to prepare the children physically for water activities.
  • Monitor each child's progress and provide feedback to parents at the end of the session.
  • Have a first aid kit and emergency contact information readily available.
  • Swimwear for each child
  • Swimming caps
  • Goggles
  • Floatation devices (kickboards, noodles, etc.)
  • Pool toys for games and activities
  • Towels for drying off after the lesson
  • Water bottles to keep children hydrated
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency contact list for all participants
  • Stopwatch or timer for managing lesson segments
Step 1 of 7

Pop Goes the Weasel - P02

Supported stand Lined up across pool Parent and child holding hands Parent moving backwards Follow actions to lyrics Choice submersion Parent and child participate

Encourage child to bend knees on jump

Progression

Child following actions while standing supported

Development

Needs to be able to stand with support

Development in Water

Needs to be able to stand on bottom of pool with parent support as needed

Lyrics
  • Up and down the swimming pool
  • In and out of the water
  • That's the way the children go
  • Pop goes the weasel
  • Round and round the swimming pool
  • In and out of the water
  • That's the way the children go
  • Pop goes the weasel
1 / 7
Step 2 of 7

Sun Shower - P03

Open chest hold facing parent Eye to eye contact In circle around teacher Child sprinkles water over parent's head on cue '1 2 3' No submersion Parent and child participate

Talk to child about how the water feels

Progression

Parent holds child in open chest hold facing parent. Child sprinkles water

Development

Needs to be strong enough to hold head up independently

Development in Water

Needs to be relaxed with water around face

Lyrics
  • The water on you …
  • Goes drip,drip, drip
  • Drip,drip, drip
  • Drip,drip, drip
  • The water on you goes drip, drip, drip
  • In the swimming pool
2 / 7
Step 3 of 7

Back Propulsion - P06

Free standing Eyes looking up Lean backwards to back float Small fast kicking Breathing

Progression

Independent propulsion

3 / 7
Step 4 of 7

Submersion - P06

Child standing Bend at knees Child kangaroo jumps up and down to target distance Child holds breath and submerges mouth as landing from jump

Progression

Holding breath jumping up and down in water

4 / 7
Step 5 of 7

Fishes in the Water - P11

Free standing Children lined along edge of pool Parents lined up in water Teacher behind parents Child jumps into water on cue '1 2 3' Submersion Parent supports upper body to help child roll over onto back Parent and child participate

Prompt "chin up" on roll

Progression

Child enters water from standing on cue '1 2 3'. Child rolls onto back with full parent support

Development

Needs to be able to jump and roll

Development in Water

Needs to be relaxed on back

Lyrics
  • Fishes in the water
  • Fishes in the sea
  • We all jump up
  • With a 1 2 3
5 / 7
Step 6 of 7

Little Red Speedboat - P04

Free sitting on mat Children sitting on mat with parent standing in front Maintain eye contact Moving around pool bouncing Child bends at waist and 'falls' into water on cue '1 2 3' Submersion Parent supports while child participates

Parent paying full attention to what child is doing. Ensure child is maintaining balance

Progression

Child on mat unsupported and cued to enter water and submerge

Development

Needs to be able to sit unsupported

Development in Water

Needs to be able to submerge

Lyrics
  • Bumping up and down in my little red speedboat
  • Bumping up and down in my little red speedboat
  • Bumping up and down in my little red speedboat
  • Oops! Right over the side 1 2 3
6 / 7
Step 7 of 7

Exit Up Stairs - P03

Child holds railing as necessary Child walks up stairs Parent supervises and walks up behind child

Progression

Child walks up with parent supervision

7 / 7
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