Making swimming fun encourages your young ones to love being in the water. Simple games such as 'sinkies' or 'crocodile crocodile' can also help the little swimmers gain confidence submerging their head under the water and navigating their way back to the surface. The following are some activities we use to help the little swimmers develop their swimming abilities:
'Sinkies':
Sinking toy is placed on the platform/bottom of the pool.
Swimmers are asked to submerge their head and look for the sinking toy, then bring it to the surface.
Depending on the child's swimming ability, they may need assistance in submerging.
This activity aims to gain confidence in putting the swimmers head under the water and looking at where they are swimming.
'Crocodile Crocodile':
Swimmers stand up on the edge of the pool.
Crocodile Crocodile is sung by teacher.
Swimmers jump into the water towards the parent and will then be caught by the parent.
This activity aims to help little swimmers feel comfortable independently entering the pool, also to gain confidence in a full body submergence.
Swim to Teacher:
Swimmers are held by the parent and are then released towards the teacher.
We ask for splashing toes and eyes in the water.
Once swimmer reached the teacher, they are then returned back towards to parent.
This activity aims to build a relationship between the swimmer and the teacher, as when the little swimmer moves out of parent and baby classes, they must learn to swim without the parent in the water.