Child holds railing and teacher's hand Child walks down stairs to teacher

At stairs Follow actions in lyrics

Hands in front holding equipment, arms straight but not over-extended Glide on front

Start with shoulders in water so child pushes forward and does not "fall" in water. 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 hand placement of pencil swim), arms straight.

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

Start with shoulders in water so child pushes forward and does not "fall" in water. 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 hand placement of pencil swim), arms straight.

For more advanced swimmers, hold a toy or ring instead of a triangle board.

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.

Jump in from edge One at a time

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.

Teacher designs obstacles with mat(s) and/or toys Child swims to and crosses obstacles

Adjust distance of swims according to child's ability.

Pick up object from bottom At stairs or island One at a time

Start with child sitting on stairs, toy at feet, work through progressions: 1) reach for toy, 2) with bubbles, 3) with face in when ready.

Child holds railing and/or teacher's hand as necessary Child walks up stairs to exit pool