Child holds railing as necessary Child walks down stairs

Child sits on stairs with chin touching surface of water, holding ankles (like a frog about to jump) Take a breath, turn head to look down and blow bubbles Turn head back up while chin stays in water (without sitting up), breathe in again at surface Repeat

Have child reach hands down as far as possible while allowing chin to touch the water. Shoulders should stay in the water at all times. Only part that moves is head.

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.

Pass ball around underwater On island(s)

Child should stay underwater and blow bubbles so that they can always see where the ball is going. Come up only to take a quick breath.

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 All at a time / together

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 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.

Child's hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on back for target distance No support

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.

Jump in from edge One at a time

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

Adjust distance of swims according to child's ability.

Teacher assists only as necessary Child puts elbows up on deck Pulls body up to lie down on tummy Puts knee up on deck and climbs out