Child holds railing as necessary Child walks down stairs

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.

Child blows bubbles to sink to bottom Walk along bottom of pool while maintaining vertical body position One at a time OR Two at a time

Child should walk as if walking on land, looking forward and using core to stay vertical. Big, slow steps will allow steady, forward movement, but emphasis should be placed on core strength.

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.

Child's hands on top of legs/thighs Kick on back for increased 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.

Front "i" swim (hands on legs) Roll body and shoulders 3 times On 3rd roll, roll to back to breathe Roll back in same side Repeat other side

Watch for correct hand placement (hands on top of legs/thighs) to encourage proper body position. If using a small dive ring, be sure child is holding it properly - palms to body and elbows straight. Child should kick consistently while rolling. Head should stay still while body and shoulders roll.

Use flippers to assist with propulsion if necessary.

1 arm forward holding triangle board & other arm on leg, face in Kick on front for 3 Roll to side for 3 Face back in Use 1 arm for entire length(s), repeat other arm One at a time, Island to deep end and back OR Length(s) of pool

Be sure child rolls shoulder and hips when rolling to side.

Use flippers to assist with propulsion if necessary.

1 arm forward & other arm on leg, face in Kick on front for 3 Roll to side for 3 Face back in Use 1 arm for entire length(s), repeat other arm One at a time, Island to deep end and back OR Length(s) of pool

Be sure child rolls shoulder and hips when rolling to side.

Use flippers to assist with propulsion if necessary.

Stroke 3 alternating arms Breathe to side Repeat entire movement for target distance

Use flippers to assist with propulsion if necessary. Use fulcrums or paddles to focus on proper catch and pull.

Jump in from edge One at a time

Child standing on pool edge Dive in from standing position One at a time

Use hoop to help give child a target to dive through.

For those struggling with transferring weight to hands and head, try a stride dive - child stands on one leg while other leg is lifted back, teacher holds back leg and guides child into water.

Child puts elbows up on deck Pulls body up to lie down on tummy Puts knee up on deck and climbs out