Starfish Resources Manual 1

Contents
Support Information ............................................. 2 Lesson Plan 8 ..................................................... 24
Introduction ......................................................... 2 Lesson Plan 9 ..................................................... 25
Acknowledgments................................................. 2 Lesson Plan 10.................................................... 26
Swimming Aids and Pool Equipment...................... 2 Lesson Plan 11.................................................... 27
Electrical Equipment on the Poolside ..................... 4 Lesson Plan 12.................................................... 28
Starting Age and Grouping.................................... 4 Lesson Plan 13.................................................... 29
Age Grouping ....................................................... 5 Lesson Plan 14.................................................... 30
The First Pool Visit................................................ 5 Lesson Plan 15.................................................... 31
Planning ............................................................... 5 Lesson Plan 16.................................................... 32
STA Policies on Baby Swimming ............................ 8 Lesson Plan 17.................................................... 33
Starting Baby Swimming ....................................... 8 Lesson Plan 18.................................................... 34
Submersion Policy................................................. 8 Lesson Plan 19.................................................... 35
Safety ................................................................ 10 Lesson Plan 20.................................................... 36
Health Benefits ................................................... 10 Lesson Plan 21.................................................... 37
Teaching Conditions ........................................... 12 Lesson Plan 22.................................................... 38
Starfish Progression Chart................................... 13 Lesson Plan 23.................................................... 39
Lesson Plan Template ......................................... 15 Lesson Plan 24.................................................... 40
Development of Activities.................................... 16 Songs ................................................................. 41
Lesson Plan 1 ..................................................... 17 Song words: ....................................................... 43
Lesson Plan 2 ..................................................... 18 Stages of Progression.......................................... 50
Lesson Plan 3 ..................................................... 19 Register of Attendance........................................ 56
Lesson Plan 4 ..................................................... 20 Progress Tick Sheets
Lesson Plan 5 ..................................................... 21 Starfish
Lesson Plan 6 ..................................................... 22
Lesson Plan 7 ..................................................... 23

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2 Starfish Resources Manual

Support Information
lesson planning and full information on effectively
Introduction producing lessons of a consistent and high quality.

Overview of the STARFISH Series Flexibility

The official water safety programme for babies The STARFISH Resource Pack is not fully
developed by the STA. This is a flexible prescriptive, allowing participants to progress at
progressive and fun series that introduces babies their own pace and ability. The adaptable nature
from a few months old and up to two years, to the of the programme permits swimming teachers to
pool. customise the delivery to suit the circumstances of
both teacher and participants.
Setting the Standard
The STARFISH Series focuses on creating fun, Interaction
positive experiences for babies that will not only The Teaching Objectives contained in the
help them to develop physically but also STARFISH Resources Manual represent a
emotionally, intellectually and socially too, while progressive integration of water confidence, water
equipping them with key safety and safe hold safety and elementary swimming techniques.
skills in the water.
Throughout the series learning skills are
It builds upon the STA commitment to making introduced, reinforced and developed. The
the water a safe and happy environment for very STARFISH Resource Pack can be used in 3 ways
young children. It allows parents to feel assured according to the teachers experience and needs,
that they are giving their children valuable skills holistic, supplementary or customised.
for a lifetime’s successful and safe swimming
enjoyment of the aquatic environment. The Key Principles are supported by the
information contained in the STARFISH
The STARFISH Awards Resources Manual.
The STARFISH Series consists of 6 progressive
levels; each with its own full-colour A4 landscape The STARFISH Resource Manual aims to assist
certificate and woven badge. teachers of swimming to deliver programmes of
consistent quality and content. Teaching
Once children have successfully completed the Objectives, Learning Outcomes and Assessment
STARFISH Series they can progress onto the First Criteria are shown in a clear structured framework
Steps series of awards, the next stage in the STA to ensure consistent standards. This flexible
International Swimming and Water Safety framework can be used in any swimming teaching
Standards (ISWSS) Learn to Swim programme. situation regardless of scale.

Acknowledgments
Key Principles of the Resource Pack
The STARFISH Resource Pack is based upon the The STA wishes to thank all of those members,
key principles of consistency of approach, user users, committee members, Trustees and
friendliness, flexibility and interaction. employees of the STA who have worked to
conceive, design, develop and create the
Consistency STARFISH Programme
The Teaching Objectives, Learning Outcomes and
Assessment Criteria are specified for each award Swimming Aids and Pool Equipment
to ensure a consistent approach throughout the
Infant aquatics instructors will need, and should
‘STARFISH Series’.
acquire, the following equipment:
Buoyancy and Swimming Aids
The standards required for every element of all
Woggles
lesson plans covering levels 1 to 6 of the
Also known as flexibeams or water noodles,
‘STARFISH Series’ are given on the back of each
these are 1.6 m cylinders of expanded plastic
lesson plan.
foam with a diameter of 70 mm. These are
versatile supports for adults and children.
User friendliness
They are particularly useful for supporting
The STARFISH Resources Pack includes a step-
parents in the water when they are floating
by-step guide for teachers, lesson plans, interactive
with their babies.

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 Starfish Resources Manual 3

babies, particularly if they are teething.

Woggles can also be cut in half for toddlers to
use. The most useful toys have proved to be small
Arm bands (sizes 0 and 1) balls, either soft or hard and slightly larger than a
These can be worn by tennis ball. Balls of all sizes can be used as targets
toddlers on their upper for infants to reach and also in throwing games.
arms and, as well as
providing buoyancy, Plastic hoops, small watering cans or plastic boats
they will help to can also be a lot of fun. Toddlers will often have
strengthen leg their own favourite bath or beach toys that may be
movements as they suitable for the pool. Toddlers enjoy playing with
begin to learn to swim. watering cans so much that they often start
swimming holding on to one.
Floats or kick boards
These can be used by Sinking rings and animal shapes can be used to
parents to tow their encourage underwater retrieving. Weighted hoops
babies, in various can be used to encourage underwater push and
positions, while they glide exercises and underwater swimming in older
swim. The standard children.
swimmer's foam board
Egg flips and ping-pong balls can be used to
will also be useful,
encourage blowing across the surface of the pool.
ideally one with holes for the hands. Some
floats are made in animal shapes which will Surface hoops can be used to encourage parent-
appeal to the very young. infant pairs and swimming toddlers to swim
through them.
All swimming aids should be used for support
only, because they can interfere with balance in Please note, however, that inflatable toys are not
the water, but even strong swimmers can benefit recommended for Infant aquatics, as they are
from using them. No other aids are recommended usually not stable enough to be used by toddlers
for Infant aquatics as most have severe drawbacks. and the risks exceed benefits in using them.
Baby seats can topple over if they are not used
correctly. Advantages and Disadvantages of Buoyancy
Aids, Swimming Aids and Toys
Advantages
Back floats and buoyancy belts do not allow
• Buoyancy aids help infants to make the
toddlers to align correctly in the water and hinder
transition from holds to swimming and diving
the development of correct swimming skills. They
without using swimming aids.
should be used only in the exceptional case of
toddlers who reject both arms bands and woggles, • Buoyancy aids can be used in many different
and then only as a and exciting ways and help to make classes
temporary aid to be interesting and varied.
discarded as soon as • Arms bands are particularly suitable for
possible. toddlers whose motor development is
impaired for some reason (i.e. Down's
Toys and Other Equipment Syndrome) or for toddlers who not confident
for Games enough to use buoyancy aids alone.
Toys and games are used to • Toys help to keep the classes fun.
reinforce more formal skills Submersibles and other Aids
and to allow the children to 1. Sinking rings & dive sticks are used to
experience the water encourage underwater search and recovery.
(splashing, pouring and 2. Sinking bricks, flowers & frogs - as above.
feeling it’s texture). 3. Weighted hoops are used to encourage
underwater swimming and for push and glide
You will always need these, practices.
particularly for babies over 4 4. Egg flips, ping-pong balls, plastic ducks etc are
months old. However, used to encourage blowing across the surface
remember that toys can be of the pool.
distracting for very young 5. Surface hoops are used to encourage pupils to

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submerge and swim through them. When operating anything electrical make sure that
the hands are dry, this will minimise the risk of
Disadvantages electric shocks.
• All equipment requires initial investment, is
often bulky and needs to be stored at the pool. Remember that electricity can cause fatal
• Buoyancy aids can be dangerous if used accidents particularly in a wet environment; if in
incorrectly. doubt ask!
• Toys need to be kept scrupulously clean. It is
recommended that instructors take toys home Starting Age and Grouping
regularly, soak them in disinfectant and rinse
them thoroughly. It is best to replace plastic Starting Age
toys on an annual basis to keep them clean Unless private lessons are given to parents who
and fresh. are very nervous about introducing their babies to
water, it is usual for infant aquatics to be held in
Final Note – Keep Vigilant! group classes. If the classes are large, babies under
Using buoyancy and swimming aids is a major one year can be sub-divided into two groups:
challenge for the Infant aquatics instructor. younger babies under 6 months and babies from 6
to 12 months.
When infants and toddlers are using buoyancy
Toddlers who can stand up and walk should
aids there is a tendency for parents to relax their
preferably be in another group. This should result
care and chat amongst themselves. It is always
in the younger babies being handled at a gentle
important to remind parents to continue the
pace in a quiet atmosphere while older babies and
careful supervision of their children even when
toddlers can be allowed to let off steam and be
they are using this equipment.
give more challenging, fun tasks.
Other Pool Equipment Ability
It may be necessary to use lane ropes to divide Every class will have parents and babies of
swimming pools into a main section and an Infant varying ability and confidence. As a rule this is not
aquatics section. a good basis for grouping for babies up to 12
months. Parents who are non-swimmers or poor
You will also need a net (a large net at the end of a swimmers can be integrated into mixed ability
pole or a small hand-net) and a bucket for those classes with the help of buoyancy aids.
rare occasions when a baby is sick in the pool.
Among toddlers however, there can be sufficient
Nets can also be used to clear faecal matter when difference between beginners and those babies
the pool gets soiled. who have come to parent-infant classes earlier,
that grouping them on the basis of ability is
Instructor’s Equipment possible and even preferred. If the class is too
The Infant aquatics instructor may choose to small to make grouping feasible, special teaching
provide specific toys for each class rather than techniques for integrating a mix ability class of
keep a supply of toys in the pool. A teaching doll toddlers are required. Although some toddlers
can be useful to demonstrate new skills. soon become able to swim unaided, they still need
to be closely watched by their parents in the water
Electrical Equipment on the Poolside and grouping is not usually done according to
swimming ability for small children under 36
Many swimming teachers incorporate music into
months. This is best done once they start
their lessons to provide variety. This raises a
swimming classes without their parents in the
potential danger as all methods of providing
water with them.
amplified music necessitates the use of electricity
In all classes groups should always be set
that can be dangerous in a water environment.
achievable objectives – according to the babies’
ages and abilities.
Pool managers recognise these dangers and will
not allow any mains electrical appliances in the Grouping classes will become easier as you
pool area; battery or low voltage equipment must become a more experienced. Most teachers start
be used if inbuilt sound is not available. with mixed age and mixed ability classes.
Learning to address the individual needs of
parent-infant pairs while teaching well-structured
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 Starfish Resources Manual 5

classes is one of the main challenges for infant • Babies should become self-confident and
aquatics teachers. gradually self-reliant in the water, through
bonding, communication and trust, play,
Safety
fun and lots of praise.
Drowning is the third greatest cause of accidental
death in children in industrialised countries. Over • The baby’s leg and arm movements
50% of cases of drowning occur close to the water's should be encouraged and developed in
edge. No method of infant swimming can preparation for swimming.
guarantee drown proofing but children have a • The baby’s underwater breath-holding
better chance of survival if they are familiar with capacity should be developed.
water they are relaxed if they accidentally fall in to • The parent should be able to swim freely
it. with her baby on her back and
progressively detach the baby from her
Once a child can swim back to the edge after body, either using swimming aids or not.
jumping into the pool, in principle she has become • More movement and experimentation in
water safe but it will take a few more months to the water should be encouraged by
consolidate these skills. playing games and having fun.

You always need to remain watchful. Swimming The First Pool Visit
toddlers are often at risk from becoming over-
The first pool visit is an exciting occasion for
confident. You need to be particularly cautious
parents who wish to introduce their babies to
during the transition period when infants start to
water. It can be organised either to follow the
swim unaided but cannot yet surface to breathe.
Introduction Session, as a taster but not full class,
This is usually between the ages of two and three
or it can actually be the first class in a course.
and a half. No toddler should be left unattended
near water at any time on account regardless of his
Some parents, mainly the non-swimmers or poor
or her perceived swimming skills.
swimmers, may be extremely nervous even
Age Grouping though they have a positive attitude. They will
need reassurance as well as a clear demonstration
Classes can be split according to the following age of how the buoyancy aids can help them to feel
groups but please remember that a children secure in water. Some repetition of the points
develop at different paces so these ages a just a made in the Introductory Session is inevitable.
general guide.
The Infant aquatics teacher should be extremely
• Up to 12 months patient with parents of young babies who are
• 12 - 24 months facing a wide range of new challenges in their
• Over 24 months lives at this stage.

The teaching methods described in this resource The parents of toddlers will need to be introduced
manual are principally geared to introducing in to the basic rules and procedures at the pool to
babies and young children up to 24 to 36 months ensure both safety and discipline during lessons,
old. particularly with regard to jumping and running
around on the poolside.
The following is a guide to what you should be
aiming to achieve within each age group. Planning
Starting at under 12 months
The principles of planning have been covered in
• The parent/child pair should bond and
the Aquatic Teaching Foundation Unit.
become relaxed together in the water.
• The baby’s natural swimming reflexes The qualified instructor for infant aquatics will
should be built on and strengthened. need to produce long-term and short-term lesson
• The parent should be able to swim freely plans as well as plans for individual lessons.
with her baby on her front.
• The parents and babies should become Long Term Planning
confident with submersion. This is usually a year plan, which would
Starting at 12 months incorporate holidays, bank holidays, the number
• Parents and children develop their safety of teachers and their availability. In nursery
skills.
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schools it should also make allowances for non- and depth, pool features, available swimming
pupil days. aids and assistant teachers.
• The lesson should follow the five phases set
In setting the overall aims and learning outcomes out below: introduction, main themes,
for a course of lessons, the infant aquatics contrasting activities, free practice and closure.
instructor will not normally be working within a Introduction
defined syllabus laid down by an employer, The main aim of the introduction should be to
swimming club, educational or local authority. It prepare the group for the lesson. It will also be
is the duty of the instructor to set up a syllabus an opportunity for the instructor to assess the
that can be presented to employers for approval in likely standard of the group as a whole and of
accordance with their management. the parent-infant pairs.
Short Term Planning
At this stage the instructor will also have an
Short term planning is usually a school half term
opportunity to watch the babies in the water
or a period extending from 4 to 12 weeks, or a
and decide where individuals may need
group of lessons run by an organisation over a few
special attention. In toddlers' classes, the
consecutive days. The teacher will plan to achieve
introduction can also be used for age and
specific aims that form a part of the long-term
ability grouping.
plan. For example it could be to complete all the
Main themes
modes of the 'safety hold' or to achieve 'swimming
The main themes, including teaching practices
with babies'.
and teaching points, are the principle part of
the lesson and should take about two-thirds of
It is important to retain flexibility within a short-
the lesson time. Each lesson should centre on
term plan, as the anticipated speed of progress
two new main themes and also revisit themes
may not be achieved. The teacher must be
from previous lessons in less detail.
prepared to adjust the short-term plan and the
It is very important that instructors always
individual lesson plants to compensate.
clearly demonstrate the skills being taught
The Individual Lesson Plan either with a doll or one of the babies in the
The individual lesson plan sets out how the class.
detailed learning outcomes are to be achieved in a
lesson as part of the overall aims set out in the It may be necessary for the instructor to
short-term plan. prepare different schedules for teaching a
At present most facilities that offer infant aquatics common main theme to toddlers with
do not have the form and content of parent-infant different degrees of ability within one lesson,
classes prescribed by their management. The for example, diving.
Starfish Resource Manual includes a set of lesson Contrasting activities
plans for each of the Starfish awards, as well as The contrasting activity could be a less formal
defining the structure of the Infant and Young activity such as a song or some group play, or
Child aquatics classes. it could be the introduction of a very different
skill such as back or front rides.
In preparing individual lesson plans instructors Free practice
will need to particularly consider the following Each lesson should include a short period in
points: which parents can practise a skill of their
• Preparation is very important as time spent in choice, with their child, by themselves but
the water with babies is very short and so under the teacher's supervision. Parents nearly
every minute should be used to the best always welcome the chance to play or practise
possible advantage. their new skills in their own time. However,
• Parents expect to be guided throughout instructors should always take into account
lessons. Too much inactivity in a lesson can that some parents will be keen to practise on
lead to boredom and make parents insecure. their own while others will still prefer some
However planned short periods of inactivity expert guidance.
do allow parent-child pairs time for bonding.
• The lesson plan must take into account the
facilities available, including pool size, shape

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 Starfish Resources Manual 7

group. Inactivity in the water can quickly lead to

Closure boredom and in some cases parents, unsure what
As we know, babies like routine and also to do, can become insecure.
respond well to repetitive activity. The final Frequency of Sessions
activity of the session should repeat or recall To get the most out of the methods outlined here
the introduction. It should also, above all, be parents–child pairs should attend sessions
fun. This will create a good, positive regularly, preferably, if time and money allows,
atmosphere as the children leave the session. twice a week, but never less than weekly.
They’ll remember it fondly and want to come
back for more next time. They should also be encouraged to practise some
Length and Pace of Sessions the techniques they learn at home in the bath
Babies under 6 months should not be in the water between sessions.
for longer than 35 minutes; babies over 6 months
may be in the water for up to 45 minutes. If sessions are missed (as inevitably they will be
from time to time) then a baby should be started
Sessions should move quickly. Instructors should again with earlier skills before moving on and
keep up the momentum, whatever the age of the catching up with the rest of the group.

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8 Starfish Resources Manual

STA Policies on Baby Swimming

There is a great deal of confusion regarding
baby swimming, principally the areas of concern exercise.
are: • Submersion at an inappropriate time will lead
• The earliest date at which babies can be to distress and may result in a baby
introduced to the swimming pool permanently being frightened of water.
• Submersions • Submersion practices should be progressive and
should be stopped immediately if the baby
Starting Baby Swimming shows any signs of distress or unhappiness.
The policy of the STA, with regard to introducing • Submersion should only take place when the
babies to aquatic activities is: baby is prepared and involved in the fun; it
• Babies should only be introduced to water in should not be attempted when the baby is
line with the most recent recommendations looking away or is unaware of what is about to
from the Department of Health. This can be happen.
found on http://www.immunisation.org.uk . • The frequency, depth and duration of
The current recommendation, at the date of submersions should be controlled within the
publication, is “your baby does not need any guidelines set out below. (see explanatory note
immunisations before they go swimming”. 3)
• The teacher should ensure that the midwife, Frequency of Intentional Submersions
health visitor or doctor is happy for the baby to • The frequency of intentional submersions
be introduced to a public swimming pool. should be based on the baby’s age, physical
• The water and air temperature must be higher ability and experience. It will also depend upon
than for normal public swimming; at least 30°C the swimming teacher’s style and technique of
(32°C for babies under 3 months old or teaching.
weighing less than 5.5 kilos/12 lbs). • The number of intentional submersions per
• Baby swimming during the first six month session should be built up progressively at the
should not take place in sea-water. (see baby’s pace. It is suggested that an appropriate
explanatory note 1) rate on increase would be an increase of 6
• Babies should wear specialised waterproof submersions over 6 sessions.
nappies, and ideally double nappies, to prevent • As a guideline the STA suggests that the
leakage. following frequencies be used:
• Very careful introduction must be carried out to
For babies under 6 months old a maximum
prevent a long-term fear of water being of 6 intentional submersions per session; in
developed. addition the baby may make a number of
• The teaching of babies and infants should only accidental submersions. Initially there may
be undertaken by holders of a suitable specialist only be one or two submersions, building up
teaching certificate such as the STA Baby and to more as the baby develops in age,
Pre-School Certificate. physical ability and experience.

For babies aged 6 to 12 months old the
Submersion Policy number of intentional submersions can be
The policy of the STA relates to intentional built up to a maximum of 12 intentional
submersion as a practice in a structured session. It submersions per session in addition to any
is not intended to include accidental submersions or accidental submersions.
quick dunks which may well happen on a frequent
For toddlers over 12 months old there
basis (see explanatory note 2): need be no upper limit.

Introduction Depth of Submersion

• Submersion is an important part of introducing • The depth of submersion is dependent upon
babies to the aquatic environment but should age, physical ability and experience of the baby.
not be the dominant focus as it can be The STA recommend that:
counterproductive to a good foundation in
No baby under 12 months should be
swimming. submerged to a depth greater than 1 metre.
• Forced submission is not best practice; it must
Babies and toddlers over 12 months can
not be carried out. progressively build up to a maximum
submersion depth of 1.5 metres.
• Submersion should only take place when the
baby is ready and only then as part of a fun

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 Starfish Resources Manual 9

Duration of Submersion techniques or extensive underwater swimming is

• Babies under 12 months can progressively build not endorsed by the STA.
up to a submersion time of 3 seconds.
• Babies and toddlers over 12 months can A feeling of love and security in the water is the best
progressively build up to a submersion time of and most efficient foundation for the skills that will
10 seconds. enable babies to swim and become safe in water.
Babies will only benefit from being introduced to
Explanatory Notes
water in their first few months if they are happy and
1) The natural swallowing reflex in young babies
feel safe in the new environment.
means that some water will enter the stomach
and in cases where it contains salt, the salt will
The STA approach to infant aquatics is based on
be absorbed. The kidneys of very young
encouraging the development of a newborn baby’s
children are not developed enough to handle
natural swimming reflex in water into conscious
salt; salt overdosing can lead to serious illness
movements of the legs and arms by the end of the
and in extreme circumstances death.
first year. If these early reflexes are not strengthened
2) An intentional submersion would be to a
by regular stimulation they will disappear in most
maximum depth and duration as specified in
babies after five or six months. The techniques
the policy above and would be carried out
described here not only sustain and build these
within a structured baby swimming session.
reflexes in younger babies but also then lead to the
Where the submersion activity involves more
natural development of voluntary arm and leg
than 1 short submersion, within a duration
movements in the water and then baby swimming.
specified in the policy, e.g. mini dunks then this
should count as 1 submersion.
Skills are learnt in different but complementary
3) The principal concern surrounding the number
ways:
of submersions a baby undertakes is related to
• Exercises, allowing each baby to develop at
water intoxication (hyponatremia). There has
their own pace, promoting a progressive
not been significant or recent research on this
foundation for unaided swimming on the
subject other than that carried out by Karl G
basis of reflex movements in the first year,
Rosen, MD, PhD, published by the Swedish
• Swimming with adults, so that babies
Paediatric Association in collaboration with the
experience the motions of swimming,
Swedish Board of Health and Welfare together
register them and gain familiarity with
with the Swedish Swimming Association. His
them.
research has shown that a baby needs to drink
at least 10% of its body weight for the risk of • Submersing, breath control and diving
water intoxication to occur. In a study of 15 skills, practised simultaneously, in each
babies below the age of 6 months, undertaking a session at the pool.
20 minute swimming session consisting of • Games that are relaxing and fun but at the
between 5 and 10 submersions, 7 of the babies same time develop the child’s skills in the
increased their body weight by a maximum of water.
1.6%.
Many adults are frightened in water and their
The underlying philosophy of the STA approach to bodies become tense. Babies can sense this fear. It is
aquatic teaching for babies is that swimming comes essential to overcome this and promote a happy,
naturally to babies. Parents can be shown how to caring and relaxed environment whenever young
help their babies move on their own in the water, babies or toddlers are taken into the water with
offering physical support, steady encouragement their parents. Floating and swimming with babies
and constant praise. Babies will become more and can be a wonderful experience for adults as well as
more independent from their parents as they their children. There is no better way that parents
develop skills, strength and self-confidence. can escape from the pressures of looking after a new
baby.
The STA emphasis is not on teaching your baby to
swim in a formal way but on encouraging free The STA recommend that only properly qualified
movement in the water. This will lead to swimming aquatic teachers undertake introducing babies and
as soon as the babies and toddlers are physically pre-school children to aquatic activities.
and emotionally ready. Draconian training that
forcefully conditions babies to learn drown proofing

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10 Starfish Resources Manual

Safety muscles. Infant Aquacise can also be therapeutic,

complementing physiotherapy and osteopathy to
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT in all aquatic help babies develop muscles symmetrically on both
teaching situations. sides of the body. Infant Aquacise is particularly
beneficial for premature babies as it helps them re-
Life guarding
capture stages of motor development that they may
It is recommended that holders of the BPC hold a
have missed. Babies who have to wear a hip harness
recognised lifesaving qualification such as the STA
also benefit greatly from unrestricted movement in
NaRS Poolside Helper.
the water.
Holders of the BPC must, if they do not hold an in- Physiological Benefits Of Infant Aquatics
date lifesaving qualification, ensure that adequate German researchers have shown that early
lifeguard cover is always available when teaching. swimmers perform better on tests measuring social,
academic, motor and personality developments,
Control of Infants by Parents
although such results may also be attributed to the
Teachers must inform parents of the need to
overall quality of parenting.
properly control their infants at all times whether
they are sitting or standing at the edge of the pool.
Babies who develop their swimming abilities are
Parents should be given clear instructions on proper
often more alert for their age, with a better eating
poolside safety procedures at the start of every
and sleeping pattern. Parents often plan their night
course of lessons.
out on the day of the swimming class, as their
Health Benefits babies are unlikely to wake up! Additionally, just as
in adults, swimming improves the cardio-
The recommended level of exercise to improve the respiratory function of babies and their general
body's efficiency is a minimum of 20 minutes health.
sustained activity three times a week. This level of
activity also applies to babies and toddlers. Adult- Russian research claims that the energy a newborn
Infant swimming classes offer gentle exercise of the baby wastes on land counteracting the force of
kind suitable for new mothers. They are particularly gravity can be released in the water and used in
beneficial to mothers who have had a Caesarean three ways.
section and have had to abstain from other exercise
in the first six weeks following childbirth. However, 1. To develop the body and above all the brain.
following a Caesarean section a mother should only It is now known that the development of the
enter a swimming pool with the knowledge and brain structure starts long before birth and
approval of her doctor. continues after birth. Far from being the passive
bundles they were once thought to be,
Swimming is the most beneficial form of exercise newborns are capable of receiving vast amounts
not only during pregnancy but also in the post-natal of information and they are at their most
period. Regular swimming will help to maintain receptive in the period immediately following
and improve: birth.
• The cardio vascular system. 2. To investigate the environment and acquire
• Lung capacity and function. different kinds of experiences as they move
• Joint mobility. freely in the three dimensional space of water.
• Muscles and their function. 3. To enable and develop new problem solving
• Stamina. and task handling brain functions.
• It will also help new mothers to control Muscular development
body weight and recover their pre- Babies can exercise more muscles in the
pregnancy body weight. buoyant water environment, as they are not
restricted by their incapacity to sit or stand up.
Swimming allows babies and toddlers to move Their strength at this age is evident in their
independently long before they are able to crawl or ability to raise themselves up using their arms
walk. This contributes to a sound motor and in walking.
development and improves the function of skeletal

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Coordination demand more rapid and more skilled intervention

The transformation of reflex movement into than in the case of older children and adults.
conscious movement in the water almost
certainly facilitates early coordination. Babies For this reason it is important for teachers to have
develop their sense of balance as they learn to up to date infant resuscitation skills and also to be
roll and move bilaterally in water. This is aware of signs of distress which may not be
crucial for later swimming. initially apparent to parents.
Overall neurological development
Water offers babies a heightened multi Swimming is an activity in which the whole family
sensory experience involving touch, hearing, can participate. Parent-infant classes should
sight, and to some extent even taste and provide a long-term foundation for enjoyable
smell. The intense physical and eye contact family swimming. Parents, grandparents and
with their parents as they play in the water other regular carers can be involved in swimming
also offers quality stimulation. This can be with infants. Older siblings may be stimulated to
particularly beneficial to premature or improve their swimming skills as they see their
handicapped babies. baby brother or sister enjoying the water.
Psychological Development
Early swimming helps to round out and develop a Parent-infant water classes are suitable for all
baby’s personality. Cautious babies learn to accept adults even if they have fear of the water, are weak
risk while boisterous babies learn to be more swimmers or non-swimmers. They may inevitably
prudent. As babies discover that they can propel be excluded from some of the activities described
themselves in the water, their independence and in this manual but none-the-less they should be
self-confidence increases. Water offers them an encouraged to join and overcome their fears
early opportunity to respond to the unexpected. alongside their babies. Parents who are weak
Toddlers soon delight in their own achievements swimmers or cannot swim at all should be
and quickly develop social and expressive skills as encouraged to take adult swimming classes to
they play in the water. keep up with their babies' progress.

Potential Dangers Water is a great equaliser. It is a medium in which

Swimming, when compared to other energetic parents of infants with special needs can feel on an
sports is, statistically, relatively injury free as equal footing with other parent-infant pairs. Such
water supports and protects the body. However early integration may contribute to the reduction
there are a number of hazards associated with of prejudice and discrimination in both parents
swimming with infants that should be considered: and small children.
• Babies can suffer if they swallow too much
water. Parent-infant swimming classes have many
• As the poolside is usually a hard and considerable indirect health benefits as they
slippery surface, care must be taken to promote closeness and bonding between parents
prevent babies and toddlers falling when and their babies.
they are out of the water.
• Unsupervised diving and jumping in the Attending regular classes with infants requires
water can obviously be hazardous both to self-discipline and dedication. Classes offer
those doing it and those in the water. parents the opportunity to discover that all babies
• It should always be remembered that an are different and develop at their own pace. In
infant or toddler can drown in even very water parents learn to love and support their
shallow water and most accidents babies unconditionally through their triumphs and
involving young children occur in shallow their failures. Infants begin to develop their own
water. personality in this early supportive class
• Cramp is a common ailment in water. environment, which provides a foundation of
Although it is more predominant in cold social skills that will be invaluable when the child
conditions it does sometimes occur in starts its formal education. This learning and
warm water. experimental environment is ideal for toddlers to
develop self-esteem and self-confidence with their
It must be stressed that although accidents peers and parents.
affecting infants and toddlers in parent-infant
swimming classes are extremely rare, they As well as the physical and psychological benefits
of the classes, swimming with babies is very
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relaxing for parents. Spending time in the water suspect that a baby may be chilled, get the baby
and engaging in a focussed recreational activity out and warm it up immediately.
with their babies and toddlers is a good way for
parents to unwind and relieve stress. Because of The air temperature in the pool is also important
this, parent-infant swimming classes may help to since the baby's head and part of her body will be
alleviate post-natal depression. above the surface most of the time. Ideally the air
temperature should be 2 degrees higher than the
Teaching Conditions water temperature.
The following things should be considered. Depth
Teaching pools or hydrotherapy pools in which
The Pool
Even the best pools will not be totally ideal for you can stand comfortably in the water are best.
swimming with babies but it is worth taking These vary in depth from 0.9 m to 1.25m. For those
trouble to look for a suitable pool even if you have who are not water confident, a shallower pool is
to travel a little further than you anticipated. obviously preferable.
Cleanliness
The main criterion is warmth, which is critical for Standards of hygiene vary in public pools both in
young babies. Next you should consider depth, the water and the changing areas. If you are
quality of the water and cleanliness. worried about hygiene in any given situation then
parents should be encouraged to change their
The teacher must ensure that lifeguard provision baby in a carrycot or buggy.
is in accordance with the NOP of pool being used.
Either there should be professional lifeguard(s) on
Water Quality
If the babies eyes sting, or are irritated, when
duty or the teacher must have a relevant, and in
submerged then submerging should not be carried
date, lifesaving qualification such as the NaRS
out.
Poolside Helper awarded by the STA.
Atmosphere
Water Temperature
You should choose a pool with a relaxed
The water and air temperature must be higher
atmosphere where parents and babies are
than for normal public swimming; at least 30°C
welcome, obviously avoiding crowded pool times.
(32°C for babies under 3 months old or weighing
less than 5.5 kilos/12 lbs). Any baby under 12
Lesson Plans
months old who is in water that is colder than
On the following pages The complete Starfish
32°C should use a baby wet suit or similar.
programme has been set out. A lesson plan
Hydrotherapy pools are usually kept around 33°
template is included with four lesson plans for
C. If you only have access to a normal pool where
each of the Starfish Awards.
the water is kept at 28°C for swimmers, only take
babies over 4 months and keep sessions short,
about 10 minutes. Remember that babies do not Starfish Progression Chart
shiver when they are cold, the surplus blood from This will enable you to keep a record of your
the skin is redirected to vital organs in the body, children’s progress (see next page)
which makes their lips turn blue. Whenever you .

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Starfish Progression Chart

Starfish 1.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Introduce: o Help baby enter the pool safely
o Rule and regulations o Use swing dips to help familiarise baby with the
o Hygiene water
o Water safety o Support baby on the front to enable movement
o Correct and safe entries and exists freely around the pool
o Baby and adult to water o Support baby on the back to enable movement
o Correct holds for baby freely around the pool
o Getting face wet o Encourage baby to wash and splash their face with
o Playing games water
o Importance of eye contact o Help baby to leave the pool safely
o Splashing

Starfish 2
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reinforce: o Hold baby facing you and submerged yourself in
o Hygiene the water for baby to see
o Rules and regulations o Enable baby to move freely around the pool using
o Water safety the safety hold
o Safe entries and exits o Move around the pool using the seat hold, bobbing
Introduce: baby up and down
o Submersion o Support baby on the back while walking
o Movement of the body backwards and zigzagging through the water
o Holding on o Encourage baby to wash their face with water or
Develop: submerge baby in the water, holding baby towards
o Splashing you
o Playing games o Encourage baby to hold onto the poolside, with
o Moving freely around the pool with adult assistance if necessary
Starfish3
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reinforce: o Support baby under the arms and encourage baby
o Safe entries and exits to gently flop into the water from a sitting position
o Hygiene and water safety on the poolside
o Correct holds for baby o Encourage baby to move from front to back
Introduce: positions using a flip-flop rhythmical movement
o Entering the water o Encourage baby to reach for a toy while moving
o Rolling from front to back around the pool, supporting baby on the front
o Arm movements o Help baby to move through the water using a
o Leg movements kicking action, while supporting baby on the back
Develop: o Support baby using the safety hold and rolled
o Co-ordination baby away from you, then gently back towards
o Class integration & playing games you
o Bonding with adult o Use a buoyancy aid to support yourself while
floating in the water, with baby laying on your
chest or sitting on your tummy making eye contact

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Starfish 4
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reinforce: o Support baby by the arms or hands to encourage
o Safe entries and exits movement into the pool from a sitting position
o Hygiene and water safety o Use a forward hold to encourage and gently submerge
o Skills learnt in previous award baby
Introduce: o Use the Little Harbour hold to move around the pool
o Free entry of baby into water while encouraging movement from baby
o Submersion of baby o Encourage baby to roll from a front position to a back
o Climbing out position with support
Develop: o Encourage movement from baby by swiftly walking
o Movement of arms & legs backwards while supporting baby on the back
o Co-ordination o Assist and encourage baby to hold onto the poolside
o Social interaction and climb out (if baby has the physical ability)
o Bonding with adult
Stanley 5
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reinforce: o Encourage baby to jump into the water from a
o Safe entries and exits standing position on the poolside, while holding
o Hygiene and water safety baby’s arms or hand
o Skills learnt in previous award o Support baby while encouraging them to roll from a
Introduce: back position to a front position
o Jumping in o Encourage baby to make kicking movements with
o Holding a buoyancy aid support either in a front Surf or a Woggle
o Back riding o Encourage baby with cues to submerge in a Duckling
Develop: Dive
o Co-ordination o Swim around the pool with baby holding onto your
o Social interaction back
o Movement o Cue baby to submerge vertically and rotate 180
degrees in the pool
o Support baby in a front hold to move forwards and
grasp a toy, then enabling return with support in a
back float position
Starfish 6
TEACHING OBJECTIVES LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reinforce: o Encourage baby to enter the water freely from a sitting
o Safe entries and exits position on the poolside
o Hygiene and water safety o Encourage baby to move freely through the water,
o Skills learnt in previous award either with minimal support or with the use of a
Introduce: buoyancy aid
o Vertical submersion o Cue baby to submerge vertically and rotate 360
o Disengagement degrees in the pool
Develop: o Support baby by the hands and encourage movement
o Rotations in a figure of eight or snaking pattern through the
o Movements water
o Submersion o Take baby for a front or back ride through the water,
o Co-ordination with or without support
o Cue baby to submerge in a Duckling Dive towards the
poolside and encourage baby to hold onto the poolside
and climb out (if baby has the physical ability)

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Lesson Plan Template

Pool

Teacher

Time available

Pool size/ depth

Equipment

Award

Aims

1. Safe Entry

2. Warm Up song

Songs

3. Activities

4. Closure

Song

5. Safe Exit

Note: Complete “Development of Activities” overleaf.

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Development of Activities

Activity Teaching Points

Evaluation
Class Evaluation

Teaching Evaluation

Notes for future planning

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Lesson Plan 1
Objective Introduction, rotation, floating, propulsion
Award: STARFISH 1
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders (song optional) All together
Parent walks into pool holding infant One at a time
Introduce Safety hold Practice support with ‘seat hand’, adjust ‘banister hand’ In a circle
Hello song Encourage movement with action songs such as “This is the
way” In a circle
Forward swing lift Parents lift infants in safety hold towards circle centre In a circle
Back float Both hands support infants’ head and seat, relaxed hold. Align
infant, ears submerged.
Option: practice with one hand only (changing hands optional) In pairs
Wet heads and faces – Support infant in safety hold and gently sprinkle water over
gently sprinkle head, praising and encouraging In a circle
Front hold Facing infant, hold under arms, thumbs up, infant’s chin in
water, parents’ arms relaxed (‘bubbling’ optional). Make sure
infants do not swallow water. In a line
Little harbour Arms long, shoulders relaxed hands just above surface. Sway
from side to side gently, sing a song In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle
Play ‘Peek a boo’ In a circle
Supported back float Parent’s use one or two woggles, relaxed hold of infants on
parents’ chests, deep breathing and relaxing (swim slowly
optional) In a line
Close and Exit Praise babies, goodbye song, teacher assists parents with
infants, infants wrapped up cosy One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Hello song. This is the way. Have you ever seen?. It’s raining, it’s pouring. The wheels
on the bus. Happy and you know it. Twinkle twinkle.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy, peek-a-boo.
Key points: Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated by movement.

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Lesson Plan 2
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 1
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Bouncing/whooshing Parents whoosh infant into centre of circle using seat lift
in safety hold In a circle
Gently sprinkle water Parent holds infant in safety hold. Sprinkles water over head
over heads In a circle
Backward swims Parent supports infant at head, walking backwards through the
water, swing infant gently from side to side giving eye contact In a line
Gentle submersion by Parent or teacher submerge under water, cue with name, ready-
parent/teacher go smile on surfacing In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle, play ‘Peek a
boo’ In a circle
Move along the wall Parents encourage hold on by reinforcing key words In a line
Sitting on a wall and Parents support infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
enter from poolside enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
swim back to wall in side position. In a line
Chase balls across the
pool Parents encourage infants to reach for ball In a line
Side hold,
encouraging body Parents support infant in side hold, sing “Wheels on the bus” or
movements “Arms of a swimmer” In a circle
Supported back float Parents use one or two woggles, relaxed hold of infants on
parents chest, deep breathing and relaxing (swim slowly
optional) In a line
Close and exit Parent supporst infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Say hello to ---, Teddy bear, teddy bear. I hear thunder. All the fish are swimming in
the water. Monkey monkey. Humpty dumpty. Wheels on the bus. Arms of the swimmer. If you’re happy and
you know it. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy, peek-a-boo.
Key points: Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated by movement.

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Lesson Plan 3
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 1
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Safety hold, Parents support infant in safety hold, move around encouraging
encourage whole movement of body parts – sing “Little green frog”
body movement In a circle
Side hold Parents support infant in side hold, encourage movement,
“Motor boats” In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle and play
“Peek-a-boo” In a circle
Backward swims Parents supports infants by head, move under woggle bridge,
Under bridge may use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up. In a line
Forward swims with Parents swim infant to wall (blowing bubbles or submerging)
submersion encourage infant to “hold on” In a line
Hold on at wall Parents encourage infant to “Hold on” and then “Monkey”
around the pool. In a line
Sitting on wall and Parents support infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. In a line
Submersion or bubble Parent support infant under arms – sing “Teddy bear” on “Under
blowing we go” both parent and infant submerge. Praise and smiles In a circle
Support on woggle Parent encourage infant to hold onto woggle. Parent maybe
behind or in front of infant, encourage movement. In pairs
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Say hello to ---, Teddy bear, teddy bear. Little green frog. Motor boat, motor boat going
so fast. Monkey monkey. Humpty dumpty. Wheels on the bus. Arms of the swimmer. London bridge. Twinkle
twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy, peek-a-boo.
Key points: Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated by movement.

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Lesson Plan 4
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 1
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs
and mouths. Sing “Old MacDonald had a farm” use a variety of
action songs In a circle
Rotation Parents support infant in side hold, sing “I’m a little pancake”
swim infant into circle and return infant on their back. In a circle
Flip-flop/whoosh Parents support infant in seat hold and move infants towards
and then away from the infant next to them in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle, play ‘Peek a
boo’ In a circle
Forward swims with Parents swim infant to wall (blowing bubbles or submerging)
submersion encourage infant to “Hold on” In a line
Hold on at wall Parents support infant to “Hold on” and then “Monkey” around
the pool. In a line
Sitting on a wall and Parents support infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side hold position. In a line
Backward swims Parents support infants by head, move under woggle bridge,
under bridge may use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up. In a line
Forward Swims Parents support infant in forward hold, move under bridge, a
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water
over infants head In a line
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in a
circle they roll infant around – moving from front to back and
then to front again – sing “five in a bed” In a circle
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this. Sing “Jelly on the
plate” Infant falls off on cue, encourage holding onto float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parents support infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Say hello to ---, Old MacDonald had a farm. I’m a little pancake. Little Peter Rabbit.
Humpty dumpty. Five in a bed. Jelly on the plate. London bridge, twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say
“Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy, peek-a-boo.
Key points: Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated by movement.

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Lesson Plan 5
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 2
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold to encourage further movement of limbs.
Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle and play
“Peek-a-boo” In a circle
Submersion/rotation Parents support infant in side hold – sing “I’m a little pancake”
swim infant into circle and return on their back. Rotating from
front to back vertically. In a circle
Flip flop or whoosh Parent supports infant in seat hold and move infants towards
and then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Backward swims Parent supports infants by head, move under woggle bridge,
under bridge may use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up. In a line
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in a
circle they roll infant around, moving from front to back and to
front again. In a circle
Swim to Parents swim infant to wall with or without submersion,
wall/support encourage infant to hold on, then assist out In pairs
Sitting on wall and Parents support infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. In a line
Woggle support/little Parent support infant on woggle as appropriate. Encourage
harbour movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In a pairs
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding onto float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parents support infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it.
Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well.
Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, little green frog. I’m a little pancake. Where’s
mummy, peek-a-boo.
Key points: Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated by movement.

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Lesson Plan 6
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 2
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold to encourage further limb movement and
encourage bubble blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Submersion/rotation Parent supports infant in side hold – sing “I’m a little pancake”
swim infant into circle and return on their back. Rotating from
front to back vertically. In a circle
Flip flop or whoosh Parent supports infant in seat hold and move infants towards
and then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Backward swims Parent supports infant by head, walk swiftly backwards. Infant
may rest head on parents’ shoulder. In a line
Swim to Parents swim infant to wall with or without submersion, In pairs/
wall/support encourage infant to hold on than assist out. moving
around in a
circle
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering wall from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side hold position. In an line
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
support/posture hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with
building infant. In a line
Woggle support/little Parent support infant in woggle as appropriate. Encourage
harbour movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In pairs
Backward swims Parent supports infant by head, move under woggle bridge, may
under bridge use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up In group
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle play “Peek a
boo” In a circle
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it.
Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little
frogs sitting on a well. Little Green Frog. Horsy horsy do not stop. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 7
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 2
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold and encourage further limb movement and
encourage bubble blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Flip flop or whoosh Parents supports infant in seat hold and move infants towards
and then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Turning around Parent supports infant under arms, facing into circle, play “Peek
a boo” In a circle
Forward swims Parents support infant in forward hold, move under bridge. A
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water
over infants head. In a line
Swim to Parent swims infant to wall with or without submersion, In pairs
wall/support encourage infant to hold on, monkey along pool ledge. Parents moving
support in forward hold to swim away around in a
circle
Backward swims Parent supports infant by head. Infant may rest head on parents’
shoulder. Encourage infant with a toy or mirror to lie back
In a line
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
support/posture hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with
building infant. In a line
Woggle support/ Parent support infant in woggle as appropriate
Little harbour Encourage movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In a pairs
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it.
Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little
frogs sitting on a well. Horsy horsy do not stop. Little green frog. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 8
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 2
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold to encourage further limb movement and
encourage bubble blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Woggle support/little Parent supports infant in woggle as appropriate.
harbour Encourage movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In pairs
Swim to Parent swims infant to wall with or without submersion, In pairs
wall/support encourage infant to hold on, monkey along pool ledge. Parents moving
support in forward hold to swim away around in a
circle
Forward swims Parent supports infant in forward hold, move under bridge. A In a line –
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water moving in a
over infants head circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold, roll them smoothly away
and then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one
arm to the other, rolling first one side and then the other. In a circle
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. In a line
Back swims Parent supports infant by head, gently move them through the
water in a snaking motion. Use a toy or mirror to encourage
infant to look upward In a line
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. Five in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 9
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 3
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold to encourage limb movement and encourage
bubble blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Woggle support/little Parent supports infant in woggle as appropriate.
harbour Encourage movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In pairs
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side hold position. Encourage “Hold on”
and then assist infant to climb out In a line
Forward swims Parent supports infant in forward hold, move under a bridge, a In a line –
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water moving in a
over infants head circle
Backward swims Parent supports infant by head, move under woggle bridge. May
under bridge use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up. In a line
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold, roll them smoothly away
and then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one
arm to the other, rolling first one side and then the other. In a circle
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
support/posture hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with
building infant In a line
Supported back float Parents use one or two woggles, relaxed hold of infant on
parents’ chest, deep breathing and relaxing In a line
Flip flop or whoosh Parent supports infant in seat hold and move infant towards and
then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Close and exit Parent supports infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. Five in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Big red tractor. Simon says. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 10
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 3
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold encouraging limb movement and bubble
blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Flip flop or whoosh Parent supports infant in seat hold and move infants towards
and then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Movement and Parent supports infant in side hold, move forward and then
rotation rotate and spin In a circle
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Propulsion Parent supports infant in side hold, encourage reach for ball In pairs
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle as appropriate, encouraging
movement of limbs to propel toy forward In pairs
Backward swims Parents supports infants by head, move under woggle bridge,
under bridge may use mirror or toy to encourage eyes up. In a line
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and
then assist infant to climb out. In a line
Close and exit Parents supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 11
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 3
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold encouraging limb movement and bubble
blowing. Use a variety of action songs In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Flip flop or whoosh Parent supports infant in seat hold and move infant towards and
then away from the infant next to them, in a smooth gentle
rhythmical action. In a circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infant to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle as appropriate, encouraging
movement of limbs to propel toy forward In pairs
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, bounce across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and
then assist infant to climb out In a line
Back swims Parent supports infant by head, gently move them through the
water in a snaking motion. Use a toy or mirror to encourage
infant to look up In a line
Forward swims Parent supports infant in forward hold, move under a bridge, a In a line –
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water moving in a
over infants head circle
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 12

Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing

Award: STARFISH 3
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold encouraging limb movement and bubble
blowing. Use a variety of action songs. Change hold where
appropriate to activity In a circle
Movement & rotation Parent support infant in side hold, move forward and then rotate
and spin In a circle
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in circle,
they roll infant around – moving from front to back and then to
front again In a circle
Forward swims Parent supports infant in forward hold, move under a bridge, a In a line –
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water moving in a
over infants head circle
Woggle support/little Parent supports infant on woggle as appropriate.
harbour Encourage movement by pushing toy/ball forward. In pairs
Woggle support Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
/posture building hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with
infant. In a line
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, swim across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and
then assist infant to climb out In a line
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red
tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. The ants went marching. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 13
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 4
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold encouraging limb movement and bubble
blowing. Use a variety of action songs. Change hold where
appropriate to activity In a circle
Forward swims Parent supports infant in forward hold, move under a bridge, a In a line –
under bridge watering can may be used second time around to sprinkle water moving in a
over infants head circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in circle,
they roll infant around – moving from front to back and then
front again In a circle
Forward swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall submerge, encourage to hold on using key words In a line
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, swim across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and
then assist infant to climb out In a line
Little harbour Parent supports infant in little harbour hold. Place toy in front for
infant to reach for In a line
Backward swims Use a mirror or toy to encourage infant to lie back. Walk swiftly
backwards, encouraging limb movement. Infant may rest head
on parents’ shoulder. In a line
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. The ants went marching. This is the
way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 14
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 4
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change to side hold encouraging limb movement and bubble
blowing. Use a variety of action songs. Change hold where
appropriate to activity In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in circle,
they roll infant around – moving from front to back and then front
again In a circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Little harbour Parent supports infant in little harbour hold. Place toy in front for In a pairs
infant to reach
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, swim across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and then
assist infant to climb out In a line
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parents support infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. The ants went marching. This is the
way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 15
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 4
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders (song optional) All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change holds where appropriate to activity In a circle
Submersion Parent supports infant under arms, submerge or blow bubbles
into centre circle – praise In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Forward swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall/submerge submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, swim across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and
then assist infant to climb out In a line
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in circle,
they roll infant around – moving from front to back and then
front again In a circle
Little harbour or Parent supports infant in little harbour hold. Place toy in front for
woggle infant to reach for. In a line
Backward swims Use a mirror or toy to encourage infant to lie back. Walk swiftly
backwards, encouraging limb movement. Infant may rest head
on parents’ shoulder. In a line
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
support/posture hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with
building infant In a line
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. Have you ever seen. This is the way
we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 16
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 4
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders (song optional) All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Change holds where appropriate to activity In a circle
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. Submerge submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding on Encourage infant to hold on to wall and move along In a line
Little harbour Parent supports infant in little harbour hold. Place toy in front for
infant to reach In a line
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in circle,
they roll infant around – moving from front to back and then front
again In a circle
Horizontal rotation Parent supports infant in safety hold roll them smoothly away
then gently back. Praise, smile and hugs. Change from one arm to
the other, rolling first one side and then the other In a circle
Backward swims Use a mirror or toy to encourage infant to lie back. Walk swiftly
backwards, encouraging limb movement. Infant may rest head on
parents’ shoulder In a line
Sitting on wall and Parent supports infant as appropriate to age and ability. On cue,
entering water from enter water, swim across pool in forward hold, then circle and
poolside swim back to wall in side position. Encourage “Hold on” and then
assist infant to climb out In a line
Posture building Use large float, parent supports infant on this – sing “Jelly on the
plate” infant falls off on cue, encourage holding into float, before
climbing onto it. In group
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Gee-up horsy and away we go. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. Have you ever seen. This is the way
we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 17
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing
Award: STARFISH 5
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Rolling over Parent support’s infant in side hold, as they walk around in a
circle, they roll infant around – moving from front to back and
then to front again – sing “5 in a bed” In a circle
Front surf/woggle Parent supports infant on a woggle or hold their arm and
encourage limb movement while moving around the pool In a line
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant with one hand, infant turns and swims to In a line circling
wall. Submerge parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Rotation Parent support infant under arms facing them away, assist 180
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Snaking Parent supports infant by the hands and moves in a gentle figure
of eight movement In pairs
Woggle Parent supports infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to
support/posture hold woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with infant
building In a line
Front or back swims Parent swims with infant either on the front or back. A woggle
may be used for additional support In pairs
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go In a line
Woggle/bubble Infant supported on woggle, encourage infant to reach for toy and
blowing blow it forward In pairs
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Big
red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. Dingle dangle scarecrow. 5 little ducks. The ants went marching. This is
the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 18
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 5
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parent walks into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in a
circle they roll infant around – moving from front to back and
then to front again – “5 in a bed” In a circle
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing them away, assist 360
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Front/surf woggle Parent supports infant on a woggle or hold their arm and
encourage limb movement while moving around the pool In a line
Woggle/bubble Infant supported on woggle, encourage infant to reach for toy
blowing and blow it forward In pairs
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant with one hand, infant turns and swims to In a line
wall. Submerge parent. Combine last 3 practices circling
around
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star
position. Parent supports under back In pairs
Back swims Parent supports infant by head, gently move them through the
water in a snaking motion. Use a toy or mirror to encourage
infant to look upward, infant maybe on a woggle In a line
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go In a line
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Big
red tractor. Simon says. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 19
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 5
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side holds, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant with one hand, infant turns and swims to In a line circling
wall. Submerge parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Woggle/bubble Infant supported on woggle, encourage infant to reach for toy and
blowing blow it forward In pairs
Rolling over Parent supports infant in side hold, as they walk around in a
circle they roll infant around – moving from front to back and
then to front again – “5 in a bed” In a circle
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing them away, assist 180
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Backward swims Infant on woggle, parent encourage infant to swim under bridge,
under woggle bridge mirror or toy may be used to encourage infant to look upward In a line and
circling around
Forwards swims Infant on woggle, parent encourages infant to swim under bridge In a line/and
under woggle bridge circling around
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go, encourage parent to swim In a line
Woggle Parent support infant on woggle in sitting position. Parent to hold
support/posture woggle as appropriate. Parent may sit on woggle with infant
building In a line
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star position.
Parent supports under back In pairs
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Pour the water. I’m a little teapot. Have yoyu ever seen. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. This is the
way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 20
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 5
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
holds where appropriate to activity In a circle
Front/surf woggle Parent supports infant on a woggle or hold their arm and
encourage limb movement while moving around the pool In a line
Woggle/bubble Infant supported on woggle, encourage infant to reach for toy and
blowing blow it forward In pairs
Backward swims Infant on woggle, parent encourage infant to swim under bridge,
under woggle bridge mirror or toy may be used to encourage infant to look upward In a line
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing them away, assist 180
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant with one hand, infant turns and swims to In a line circling
wall. Submerge parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go, encourage parent to swim In a line
Woggle rides Parent supports infant on woggle and encourages movement In pairs
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star position.
Parent supports under back In pairs
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. Have you ever seen. Pour the water. I’m
a little teapot. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way
we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 21
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 6
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Roll and forward Roll from front to back and swim to centre to grasp ball, turn and
swims swim out. Throw ball into centre, repeat last 2 activities In a circle
Backward swims Infant on woggle, parent encourage infant to swim under bridge, In a line and
under woggle bridge mirror or toy may be used to encourage infant to look upward circling around
Forward swims on Roll onto front on woggle and reach for toy across the pool,
woggle encourage limb movement and bubble blowing In pairs
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant to move along with one hand, infant turns In a line circling
wall. Submerge and swims to parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Snaking Parent supports infant by the hands and moves in a gentle figure
of eight movement In pairs
Front or back swims Parent swims with infant either on the front or back. A woggle
may be used for additional support In pairs
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star position.
Parent supports under back In pairs
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go, encourage parent to swim In a line
Woggle rides Parent support infant on woggle and encourage movement In pairs
Free swims Infant swims with parent either on their front or back. Parent may
use woggle In pairs
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing them away, assist 360
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop.
Ring a roses. The ants went marching. Big red tractor. Simon says. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say
“Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 22
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 6
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing towards them, assist 360
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulder In a circle
Roll and forward Roll from front to back and swim to centre to grasp ball, turn and
swims swim out. Throw ball into centre, repeat last 2 activities In a circle
Forward swims on Roll onto front on woggle and reach for toy across the pool,
woggle encourage limb movement and bubble blowing In pairs
Forwards swims Infant on woggle, parent encourages infant to swim under bridge, In a line/and
under woggle bridge use toy for encouragement circling around
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall, use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant with one hand, infant turns and swims to In a line circling
wall. Submerge parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star position.
Parent supports under back In pairs
Backward swims Infant on woggle, parent encourage infant to swim under bridge,
under woggle bridge mirror or toy may be used to encourage infant to look upward In a line and
circling around
Woggle rides Parent support infant on woggle and encourage movement In pairs
Free swims Infant swims with parent either on their front or back. Parent may
use woggle In pairs
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go In a line
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time
Suggested activity songs: Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer.
Motor boats. If you’re happy and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s
raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the plate. There was a princess. 5 elephants. Dingle dangle scarecrow. Three little
frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Big red tractor. Simon says. Hokey cokey. 5 little
ducks. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 23
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 6
Activity Teaching Points Organisation
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parent supports infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parent holds infant in safety hold, encourage movement of limbs.
Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action songs, change
hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Rotation Parent supports infant under arms facing them away, assist 360
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star position.
Parent supports under back In pairs
Forward swims on Roll onto front on woggle and reach for toy across the pool,
woggle encourage limb movement and bubble blowing In pairs
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue and
wall. submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall,use keywords In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant to move along with one hand, infant turns
wall. Submerge and swims to parent. Combine last 3 practices In a line
Free swims Infant swims with parent either on their front or back. Parent may
use woggle In pairs
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on parents’
shoulders. In a circle
Roll and forward Roll from back to front and swim to centre to grasp ball, turn and
swims swim out. Throw ball into centre, repeat last 2 activities In a circle
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go. Encourage parent to swim In a line
Posture/float Parent encourages infant to swim to large float, climb on and wait
until cued to roll off and swim to parent In group
Close and exit Parent supports infant in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy. One at a time

Suggested activity songs:

Here we go around the Mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer. Motor boats. If you’re happy
and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the
plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Ring a roses. The ants went
marching. Big red tractor. Simon says. Three little men in a flying saucer. 5 little ducks. Incy wincy spider. Ride a
cock horse. Runaway train. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Lesson Plan 24
Objective Propulsion, rotation, submersion, breathing, floating
Award: STARFISH 6
Activity Teaching Points Organization
Entry Teacher hands infant to parent in the pool One at a time
Parent lowers themselves and infant slowly into water to
shoulder level relaxing shoulders All together
Parents walk into pool holding infant One at a time
Encourage wriggle entry by infant One at a time
Hello song Parents support infant in safety hold, facing into circle In a circle
Warm up movements Parents hold infant in safety hold, encourage movement of
limbs. Encourage bubble blowing, Use a variety of action
songs, change hold where appropriate to activity In a circle
Jumping in Swim to wall, assist with climb out. Encourage infant to stand –
with support if necessary – use keywords. Stop, toes, hands up,
ready go In a line
Forwards swims to Parent supports infant in side hold, swim towards wall, cue
wall. and submerge, encourage to hold on using keywords In a line
Holding & moving Encourage infant to move along wall In a line
Swims away from Parent supports infant to move along with one hand, infant In a line circling
wall. Submerge turns and swims to parent. Combine last 3 practices around
Kicking Place small balls into the circle and encourage infants to kick.
Parent supports infant on back, infants head may rest on
parents’ shoulders In a circle
Roll and forward Roll from front to back and swim to centre to grasp ball, turn
swims and swim out. Throw ball into centre, repeat last 2 activities In a circle
Free swims Infant swims with parent either on their front or back. Parent
may use woggle In pairs
Rotation Parent support infant under arms facing them away, assist 180
degree rotation. Cue and encourage submersion In a circle
Floating Encourage infant to lie flat on water, on woggle, in a star
position. Parent supports under back In pairs
Backward swims Infant on woggle, parent encourage infant to swim under
under woggle bridge bridge, mirror or toy may be used to encourage infant to look In a line and
upward circling around
Woggle rides Parent support infant on woggle and encourage movement In pairs
Posture/float Parent encourages infant to swim to large float, climb on and
wait until cued to roll off and swim to parent In group
Close and exit Parents support infants in safety hold facing inwards, praise
babies. Goodbye song, teacher assists parents with infants, In a circle
infants wrapped up cosy One at a time
Suggested activity songs:
Here we go around the mulberry bush. Wheels on the bus. The arms of a swimmer. Motor boats. If you’re happy
and you know it. Doctor Foster. Ten fat sausages. Grand old duke of York. It’s raining, it’s pouring. Jelly on the
plate. Three little frogs sitting on a well. 5 in a bed. Horsy horsy do not stop. Ring a roses. The ants went
marching. Big red tractor. Simon says. Three little men in a flying saucer. 5 little ducks. Incy wincy spider. Ride a
cock horse. Runaway train. Twinkle twinkle. This is the way we say “Goodbye”.
Key Words: Splash, bubbles, kick, ready-go, hold on, reach, roll, where’s mummy., peek-a-boo, spray, turn, roll,
wait, toes, hands up.
Key points: 6-8 months: righting reflex – do not like being on back, so do short spells, i.e. seconds. Arms splash
and legs kick. Reach & hold. Follow eyes and facial expressions, mimic, splash hands, kick legs when stimulated
by movement.

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Songs
List of songs that can be used with the STARFISH Lesson Plans
Safe entry and warm up
• There’s a worm at the bottom of the garden
• There’ s a fish at the bottom of the swim pool
• Hello everybody how are you this morning
• Point to the teacher

Propulsion
• Happy & you know it
• Wheels on the bus
• The arms on the swimmer
• Here we go round the mulberry bush
• Motor boat, motor boat
• Have you ever seen Mary go this way and that way
• This is way we splash our hands
• Glub, glub went the little green frog one day
• Dingle dangle scarecrow
• 5 little ducks went swimming one day
• 5 currant buns in the baker shop
• My name is Pinocchio
• Old Macdonald had a farm
• Okey, cokey
• All the fish are swimming in the water
• Bananas in pyjamas
• To and fro, here we go
• The more we are together
• Peter hammers with one hammer
• Swim baby Swim
• Here we go up and down
• One elephant came out to play
• Paint a rainbow
Floating
• Twinkle, twinkle little star
• Jack in the box, still as a mouse
• Rock a bye baby
• I hear thunder
• Rain on the green grass
• Five little children lying in the pool
• Mary, Mary quite contrary.
• I’m a little teapot
• Rub a dub dub
• Incy wincey spider

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Rotation
• 10 fat sausages sizzling in the pan
• 10 in a bed and the little one said “roll over “
• I’m a little pancake
• Wind the bobbin up
• Teddy bear, teddy bear turn around
• Motor boat, motor boat
• Here we go Looby Loo
• Three little men in a flying saucer
• Where is Mummy?
Jumping In
• Doctor Foster
• Humpty Dumpty
• 5 Little speckled Frogs
• 3 Little frogs sitting on a well
• We went to the animal fair
Water Sprinkling
• Pour the water
• Its raining , its pouring
• London’s burning
• I’m a little teapot
• Incy wincey spider
• Rain on the green grass
Submersion
• Hickory Dickory Dock
• Teddy Bear, teddy bear
• I’m a little pancake
• Ring a roses
• Wibble wobble , wibble wobble, jelly on the plate
• Grand old Duke of York
• London Bridge is falling down
• Incy wincey spider
Blowing Bubbles
• The run – a – way train went over the hill and he blew
• Puffer Train
• How much is the doggy in the window

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Song words:
Safe Entry
There’s a worm at the bottom of the garden
And his name is wiggly woo
There’s a worm at the bottom of the garden
And all that he can do
Is wiggle all night & wiggle all day
And that’s what all the people say
There’s a worm at the bottom of the garden and his name is wiggly woo

There’s a fish at the bottom of the swim pool

And his name is Stanley too
There’s a fish at the bottom of the swim pool, just watch what he can do
He swims to the left and swim to the right
And flick his tail with all his might
There’s a fish at the bottom of the swim pool and his name is Stanley too

Used for entry into the water.

Adult sits on poolside with baby and uses swivel entry into water.
Hold baby appropriately for age and swimming baby into circle, ready to begin class.

Or for entry down steps. Song can begin and baby is passed to Adult and then the pair swim into a circle,
song continues until everyone is ready in circle.

Hello Song: Tune the Ash Grove

Welcome everybody, how are you this morning
We’ll swim in a circle & splash and have fun
We’ll blow big bubbles bree, bree, bree, bree, bree, bree
We’ll blow big bubbles and splash and have fun
We’ll jump up & down and spin round & round
We’ll jump up & down and splash & have fun.

Pairs move around in a circle. Side support hold

First splashing hands and feet.
Circle stops and babies face inwards. Babies to side of Adult. Adult blows bubbles , baby mimics

Irene’s Tune – Beginning (safety) Recognizing Teacher.

Point to the teacher – wave hello
Splash your hands and off we go – wee!

Splash your hands together - 1,2,3

Blow your bubbles and swim with me – wee!

Kick your legs now - 1,2,3

Eyes to the ceiling and swim with me – wee!

Twirl in the water - 1,2,3

Twirl in the water and swim with me – wee!

Jump in the water -1,2,3

Jump in the water and swim with me – wee!

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Propulsion
The arms of the swimmer
The arms of the swimmer go round and round,
Round and round,
Round and round,
The arms of the swimmer go round and round
All day long.

The legs of the swimmer go kick, kick kick.

The mouths of a swimmer go Bree, bree, bree.
The body of the swimmer goes to and fro.

Have you ever seen Mary?

Have you ever seen Mary go this way and that way,
Have you ever seen Mary go this way and that.
This way and that way, this way and that way,
Have you ever seen Mary go this way and that.

Change name to name of child. Move child around pool to song, either on front or on back.

Green frog
Glub, glub went the little green frog one day
Glub, glub went the little green frog
Glub , glub went the little green frog one day
And they all went glub, glub, glub.
But we all know frogs go lardie, dardie, dar, lardie, dardie, dar, lardie, dardie, dar.
But we all know frogs go lardie, dardie, dar. They don’t go glub, glub, glub.
Repeat song substituting jump, swim.

Dingle dangle scarecrow

When all the children were sleeping, and the sun had gone to bed,
Up jumped the scarecrow and this is what he said
I’m a dingle dangle scarecrow with a flippy floppy hat
I can shake my hands like this and shake my feet like that.
When all the hens were roosting and the moon behind a cloud
Up jumped the scarecrow and shouted very loud --
When all the cows were sleeping and the pigeons in their loft
Up jumped the scarecrow and whispered very soft

5 current buns in a bakers shop

5 current buns in a bakers shop
Big and round with sugar on the top
Along came a boy with a penny one day
Bought a current bun and took it right away
Can be used to swim to toy, pick it up and return to given place.

Pinocchio
My name is Pinocchio
I work in a puppet show
This is what my arms can do – they go like this
This is what my arms can do – see if you can do it too
This is what my arms can do – they go like this
Repeat song substituting legs, then lips.

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All the fish are swimming

All the fish are swimming in the water
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water
All the fish are swimming in the water
Splash, pop, wee
Repeat with:
All the ducks – splashing
All the frogs - hopping
All the bread is floating in the water

Bananas in pyjamas
Bananas in pyjamas are monkeying round the pool
Bananas in pyjamas aren’t we really cool
Bananas in pyjamas are learning how to swim
‘Cos on Wednesday’s we all come to Aqua tots to swim

Tune: Sur le pont

Too and fro, here we go
Jump up high and then down low
To and fro, here we go
Turn around ready to blow
To and fro , here we go
Kick your legs , swim too and fro.

The more we are together

The more we are together, together, together
The more we are together, the better we’ll swim

Peter hammers with one hammer

(Name of child) splashes with both hands ,both hands , both hands, ----- splashes with both hands –
splash, splash, splash.
(name of child) kicks with both feet etc.

Also use: Jump in and out

Turn round and round
Swims too and fro.

Tune: Agadoo
Swim baby swim, swim, swim
Up and down . 1.2.3.
Swim baby swim, swim, swim
In and out and turn about
Swim to the left ,then the right
Jump up and down. Make a splash
Swim baby swim, swim, swim
To the middle and come right back.

Tune: Here we go looby loo

Here we go up and down
Here we go round and round
Here we go in and out
That's what swimming is all about

Splash your arms and legs

Blow you bubbles too
Turn around and around
Are you ready to “peek a boo”

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One elephant
One Elephant came out to play
Upon the green green grass one day
He was having such enormous fun
That he called for another elephant to come.
Build up on woggles into a train

Backcrawl: Tune – Baa baa black sheep

Paint a rainbow in the sky
Pull it down to touch your thigh
First with one arm , then with the other
Circle them around and swim to mother

Floating
Jack in the box
Jack in the box, still as a mouse, deep down inside your little dark house,
Jack in the box, resting so still – will you come out: Yes. I will.

Children lay on backs floating, on “Yes I will” jump up and splash.

Rain on the green grass

Rain on the green grass
Rain on the tress
Rain on the rooftops
And rain on me.

5 little children
5 little children
Lying in the pool
Sleeping quietly as can be
Along came a big fish and what do you think?
Up jumped the children – quick as a wink

Mary, Mary: floating

Mary Mary , quite contrary
How does your garden grow,
With sliver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row, row row,
And pretty maids all in a row..

I’m a little teapot : floating into rotation

I’m a little teapot, short and stout. I’m a little teapot here me shout,
When the tea is ready hear me shout,
Tip me up and pour me out.

Rub a dub dub

Rub a dub dub give Henry a scrub,
Wash him clean and make him nice
Rub a dub dub, give Henry a scrub
Make him nice and clean
Lie back with hair in water – before push and glide

Incy wincey spider

Incy wincey spider, climbing up the spout,
Out came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain, so Incy, wincy spider climbed the spout again.

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Can be used:
1. Child floats on back, kicks legs for rain, star float for sunshine.
2. Child can climb up and down adult or use a woggle or pole.

Rotation
10 fat sausages
10 fat sausages sizzling I the pan
One went “Pop” and the other went “Bang”
Children at poolside holding on, turn and swim to adult on “Pop” and “ Bang”

I’m a little pancake

I’m a little pancake nice and flat,
I’m a little pancake lying on my back,
Flip me up and swim me back.

Wind the bobbin up

Wind the bobbin up
Wind the bobbin up
Pull Pull , clap clap
Point to the window point to the door
Point to the ceiling point to the floor.

Teddy bear, teddy bear

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around
Teddy bear teddy bear touch the ground,
Teddy bear teddy bear to and fro
Teddy bear teddy bear under we go. (or blow bubbles)

Motor boat, motor boat.: rotation

Motor boat motor boat going slow slow,
Motor boat motor boat going so fast,
Motor boat , motor boat turn on the gas --- Wee
Either move in a circle and then rotate individually on “wee” or turn individually.

Three Little men in a flying saucer

Three little men in a flying saucer
Flew round the earth one day
They looked left and right but they didn’t like the sight so –
one man flew away
Two little men….
One little man…

Tune: frere jacque

Where is mummy
Where is mummy
Look and see
Look and see
Mummy is behind you
Mummy is behind you
1,2,3 – Look and see
Use name of adult rather than “mummy”

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Jumping In
Doctor Foster
Doctor Foster went to Gloucester in a shower of rain
He fell in a puddle right up to his middle
And never was seen again.

5 little speckled frogs

5 little speckled frogs sat on a speckled log
Eating the most delicious grub – yum, yum
One jumped into the pool where it was nice and cool
Then there were 4 green speckled frogs Glub, glub.

3 little froggies
3 Little froggies playing by the well,
One jumped up and in he fell,
Froggies playing here,
Froggies playing there,
Froggies rolling over and jumping in the air

Animal fair
We went to the animal fair
The birds and the bees were there
The big baboon by the light of the moon
Was combing his auburn hair
The monkey fell out of his bunk – crash
And slide down the elephants trunk – wee
The elephant sneezed atchoo
And fell on his knees
And what became of the monkey, monkey, monkey

Children sit on poolside, jump into the water, blow bubbles, swim to wall and monkey across pool.

Water sprinkling : Tune - London bridge

Pour the water
On your arm, on your arm, on your arm
Pour the water on your arm, on your arm.
Water on nose, ears, cheek, toes, legs, etc.
Mum holds baby in safety hold, use a watering can or sprinkler to pour water gently over body parts

It’s raining, it’s pouring – kicking and movement

Its raining , its pouring Its raining , its pouring, so we are going touring,
Around the pool and under the bridge,
Kicking and splashing all morning.

Teacher holds woggle in bridge. Children on one or two woggles, kick and blow under bridge. Teacher
holds watering can and pours water as children go under.

London’s burning – kicking and movement

London’s burning, London’s burning
Fire, fire, fire, fire,
Fetch the engine, fetch the engine
Pour on water, pour on water.
Children on backs, heads on Mum’s shoulders. Kick legs to make big splashes for first two lines.
Use side hold to fetch watering cans – return to circle to pour water into centre.

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Submersion
Round and round the garden
Round and round the garden, like a teddy bear
1 kick, 2 kicks, were going under there. (Submersion) under woggle bridge.

Hickory dickory dock

Hickory dickory dock – the mouse ran up the clock
(Child climbs up the woggle or pole)
The clock struck 1 the mouse ran down
(Child goes down the woggle submerging vertically)
hickory, dickory dock
(Child resurfaces).

Blowing bubbles – bunaway train tune

The large mummy duck went into the pond and she quacked,
The large mummy duck went into the pool and she quacked
The large mummy duck went into the pool
She put on her shades – did she look cool, and she quacked , quacked, quacked ,quacked, quacked.

Goodbye song: Tune – Ash grove

Goodbye until next time, we hope you’ve all had fun.
We’ve kicked and we’ve paddled and blown bubbles too.
We’ve splashed with our hands, slpash, slpash, splash, splash, splash
And now we are going to wave them at you.
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye,
We’ll see you the next time and have fun then too.

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Stages of Progression

Progressions and Development of Activities.

Set out below are suggested progressive stages that you may follow to develop the child from total
dependency on the accompanying adult to independence and confidence in the water.
There is no set time or number of sessions for each stage – this will depend upon the maturity and
confidence of the child.

Grand old Duke of York: Stages for vertical submersion

Stage 1: Up and down on top of the water
Stage 2: Up and down – once under the water with adult
Stage 3: Upand down – once under
Stage 4: Up and down, touch the floor with feet

Using woggles:
Stage 1: Adult holds infant on woggle, wrapping woggle around child. Adult and child may both be
inside woggle. Adult needs to be at side of child or may get kicked by child’s leg action
Stage 2: Adult holds woggle - facing child so that eye contact is kept.
Stage 3: Adult holds infant’s hands on woggle and walks backwards
Stage 4: Adult keeps letting go – infant unaided
Stage 5. As confidence grows large woggle maybe substituted by one small one.

Climbing in:
Stage 1: Infant climbs in the little pool, wiggly worms backwards
Stage 2: Infant backwards down steps – big pool
Stage 3: Infant big pool – wiggly worm
Stage 4: Infant sit and swivel

Horsy: Introducing balance

Stage 1: Adult and infant on woggle together
Stage 2: Infant on wogg;e – adult supports
Stage 3: Infant on woggle - jumps
Stage 4: Infant on woggle – swim unaided

Big Duck: Introducing breathing

Stage 1: Make noise – quack, quack
Stage 2: Blow in water and push duck
Stage 3: Faces in water

Treading water:
Stage 1: Sit on poolside, up and down action of legs, bend knees
Stage 2: In water, adult moves legs up and down
Stage 3. Spin in a circle with support from adult.
Stage 4: Spin in a circle unaided (face in)
Stage 5: Stay head up unaided

Sculling: On back
Stage 1: On woggle – move hands
Stage 2: On woggle – legs over water, move hands (waterwheel)
Stage 3: No Woggle – under bridge

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Hold on and turning; also leading to push and glide

Stage 1: Monkey around in the pool
Stage 2: Monkey, turn, adult holds under armpits, swim away
Stage 3: Monkey, turn, right hand in left of adult, let go and swim with adult.
Stage 4: Monkey – turn unaided, swim to adult.

Teaching breathing:
Stage 1: Circle, blow bubbles – using song to stimulate.
Stage 2. Blowing egg flips across pool
Stage 3: Face in water blowing bubbles
Stage 4: Swim on front using a woggle, adult taps head and breath
Stage 5: Infant swims, adult lifts for child to breathe
Stage 6: Looks for light up and down
Stage 7. Teacher or adult taps head as child swims, cueing for breathing
Stage 8. Child swims and breathes automatically

Infant swims.
Stage 1: Infant swims to poolside with guidance
Stage 2. Infant swims from teacher to adult, with guidance.
Stage 3. Infant holds poolside with one hand, turns to adult who holds other hand, swims to adult from
poolside.
Stage 4: Looks for light or toy and swims from teacher to adult
Stage 5. Swims freely from poolside to adult and back to poolside.

Swimming on the back:

Stage 1. 2 small woggles, one under each arm
Stage 2: Using 1 woggle
Stage 3: Holding a float
Stage 4: Without a float, adult holds behind head
Stage 5: Unaided swim

Woggle rides with an adult:

Stage 1: Infant on front
Stage 2: Infant on front - kick
Stage 3: Infant on back
Stage 4: Infant on back – kick
Stage 5: Adult on woggle – infant holds adult’s shoulder and has a back ride
Stage 6: No woggle – back rides
Stage 7: Nowoggle –front rides
Stage 8: No woggle – submerge together

Rotation - Horizontal
Stage 1: Backs to fronts – adult rolls infant
Stage 2: Infant lies on back and rotates to hold wall and pick up a toy – some help may be needed
Stage 3: Using a woggle the child lies on back and rolls over to swim on their front.
Stage 4. Using a woggle the child lies on front and rolls over to swim on their back.
Stage 5: Without a woggle the child swims on front and rolls over to make a star shape.
Stage 6. Without a woggle the child swims on their back and rolls over to swim on their front

Rotation - Vertical.
Stage 1. Rolling from back lying position to front lying position using songs that “tip up”, with adult
support.
Stage 2. Using a woggle to tip up from back lying position to reach for a toy.
Stage 3. Using a woggle swing back and for like a bell ringing, from back to front; front to back.
Stage 4. Without a woggle swim forward and rotate to a “standing “ position.
Stage 5. Without a woggle swim on back and rotate to a “standing” position.

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Runaway train: social activity including movement and balance.

Stage 1: Adult with infant in between woggles
Stage 2: Infant on own on woggle – no adult
Stage 3: Infant on woggle, swim from front of train to the back and play “catch the carriage”

Humpty dumpty: Introducing forward entry into water.

Stage 1: Infant on poolside or on large float, lean forward and gently enter the water with support from
adult.
Stage 2: Infant rolls into the water and under the water with guidance from adult.
Stage 3: Infant stretches forward and rolls in – adult supports and puts child’s hands on adult’s
shoulders
Stage 4: Child rolls into the water and swims to adult.

Teddy bear song: Introducing submersion and rotation.

Stage 1: Into the middle we go – all meet in the middle
Stage 2: Submerge into middle
Stage 3: Child faces into middle of circle, spin at hips – lateral rotation – with guidance from adult – to
face adult, 180 degree turn.
Stage 4. Child face adult , spin at hips 360 degree turn back to face adult, with guidance.
Stage 5. Child face middle and rotates to adult on own, 180 degree turn.
Stage 6. Child faces adult and rotates on own, 360 degree turn.

Ring a roses: Introducing vertical submersion.

Stage 1: Adult goes under Adults may wear goggles sothat they can see the child.
Stage 2: Adult and child go under together.
Stage 3: Child goes under and tries to touch floor wih feet

Simon says: Can be used for a variety of skills including:

Stage 1: Blow bubbles
Stage 2: Faces in – under we go
Stage 3: Spin around – spin at hips
Stage 4: Spin unaided – action is of treading water

Big red tractor: Introducing rotation

Stage 1: Up and down, adult spins in a circle
Stage 2: Up and down, adult spins child at hips
Stage 3: Up and down, children turn on own.

Wibble wobble: Big foam mat. Introduces forward entry and swims.
Stage 1: Adult holds infant’s hands
Stage 2: Infant sits unaided
Stage 3: Infant falls off and goes under water, with support
Stage 4. Infant falls off without support and swims to adult.

Holding float: Transition toindependance

Stage 1: Adult holds hands of infant and float
Stage 2: Infant holds float, adult holds other side
Stage 3: Infant holds and swims unaided
Stage 4: Infant swims – no float

Stars: Introducing floating

Stage 1: On poolside, make a star shape
Stage 2: On woggles making a star shape.
Stage 3. Adult holds child behind head, child makes star shape.
Stage 3: Child on own, stretching out in star float position.

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Stretch and glide:

Stage 1: Sit infant on knee – hold hips and stretch to wall
Stage 2: Push through hoop
Stage 3: Stretch and under and then hold onto poolside.
Stage 4. Hold poolside, stretch and glide away from wall to adult.

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Starfish Distance in Metres

Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 10 15 20 25 50

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Register of Attendance
Course Details Date from to
Teacher Day/time

Award on
Parent’s
Child’s name Surname Last award achieved 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 next
name
course
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Total in Class

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