Child holds railing as necessary Child walks down stairs

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

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 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'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.

One child at a time An exaggerated jump: teacher holds child's feet and pushes child up out of water to jump forward

Teacher assists child to dive down underwater Child kicks underwater to target distance One at a time, Island to island/stairs/pool edge

Child holds railing as necessary Child walks up stairs