Name: Bubble Blaster Countdown A playful and engaging swimming game designed to help young swimmers gain confidence submerging their faces and blowing bubbles underwater. This challenge is perfect for beginner swimmers who are learning to become comfortable with underwater activities while having fun. Core Skill The core skills taught in the Bubble Blaster Countdown are: …
Why streamline and short distances can build confidence and bravery! Kicking off January of 2025 we’re going to look at how to move those Level 1 swimmers that just graduated in Level 2 to gliding by themselves short distances. We’ll focus on strategies and techniques that encourage independent attempts, using kicking for propulsion, and leveraging …
Name Gift Giving Core Skill The core skill in this game is to encourage creativity and communication while enhancing swimming abilities through playful interaction with swim tools and toys. Who This game is appropriate for all levels and abilities, ranging from Level 1 beginners through to developmental swim teams. What Gift Giving is a fun …
Name Magic Statue Core Skill This game is designed to help young swimmers practice maintaining their swimming poses and positions like streamline or position 11. It also encourages body control, spatial awareness, and fun role-playing. Who This game is perfect for Guppies and Level 1 swimmers. What Inspired by the Bluey episode where Bluey and …
Name Police and Baddies Core Skill The core skill of “Police and Baddies” is to enhance swimmers’ confidence and proficiency in basic swimming techniques such as front and back glides, underwater submersion, and unsupported floats. This game also encourages imaginative play and teamwork. Who This game is suitable for swimmers in Guppies, Level 1, and …
Name Frozen Magic Core Skill This swimming game focuses on front and back glides while incorporating the element of fun through imagination and role-play. It helps young swimmers practice staying in a streamlined position and maintaining body control in the water. Who This game is perfect for children aged 3-6 years who are at the …
Going underwater is one of the essential swim skills. It is the foundation of all other activities; they all build off of a learner’s ability to go under. I recommend a loving, caring, trusting environment for learning to go underwater. Swimming Ideas classifies “Level 1” as the core place for learners ages 3+ to master …
Name Dancing Jumps Core Skill The core skill developed in this game is jumping entries with proper body positioning and control. Swimmers will practice maintaining specific poses in the air and during their water entry, improving balance, body awareness, and transition into swimming skills. Who This game is designed for level 2, level 3, level …
Name Flip Flop Flap Core Skill This game helps swimmers develop balance and coordination while transitioning between front float and back float positions. It also introduces the concept of controlled movement in the water and promotes water confidence through dynamic activities. Who Suitable for swimmers of varying skill levels, from beginner to intermediate. Perfect for …
While floating on a noodle or life jacket, use your breath to blow a ping pong ball from one bench to the other.
Core Skill
This game focuses on breath control and coordination, essential for developing swimming skills in young learners.
Name Noodle Scull Core Skill The core skill being developed in this challenge is sculling. Swimmers will learn how to use their hands to push against the water to move. This helps them understand the feeling of water resistance and how their efforts translate into movement. Who This game is suitable for Level 1, Level …
Name Treasure Dive Core Skill This game focuses on building confidence and improving underwater swimming skills. Who Suitable for Level 1 and Level 2 swimmers who are comfortable submerging their heads underwater. What Participants will need a few small waterproof toys or objects to serve as “treasures.” These can be placed at the bottom of …
Every year is has a new focus of improvement for people running swimming lessons and swim instruction. This year I’m focusing on updating the Teaching Swimming workbook. Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 will see the rollout of version 4 of the Teaching Swimming Workbook: Fun and Effective Instruction. Teaching Swimming v3 was published in 2019: …
Name Hurdles and Limbos Core Skill The primary skill developed in this game is underwater comfort and breath control. Swimmers will practice going underwater and holding their breath, which is essential for building confidence in the water. Additionally, this game helps improve coordination and body control as swimmers navigate over and under obstacles. Who This …
Name: Superman, Save Me! Core Skill The core skills targeted in this game are streamline, position 1, and position 1 breathing to the side. These skills are essential for developing efficient swimming techniques and improving overall water confidence. The game also encourages fun and engagement, making learning enjoyable for young swimmers. Who This game is …
#swimgame #challenge #level1 #guppies #goingunderwater Name Sing in the Rain Core Skill The core skill focused on in this challenge is water comfort. Swimmers will practice being comfortable with water on their face and head, which is essential for developing confidence in the water. Who This challenge is designed for Guppies and Level 1 swimmers. …
Name Secret Messages Core Skill The core skill of this game is going underwater and observation. It encourages participants to go underwater and open their eyes as players try to decipher the secret messages. Who This game is inclusive and can be played by anyone who can go underwater, including non-swimmers or weak swimmers. They …
My 3-year-old daughter is in her 3rd swimming lesson without my wife or I in the water without us. She’s in level 1. And she’s been that kid that cries on the side of the pool clinging to us like we’re about to abandon her to flail in the water alone. I feel for her. …
Name Car Wash Core Skill The core skill developed in Car Wash is water acclimation and breath control. It’s a gentle introduction to water on the face and the concept of submersion. Who This game is suitable for young children accompanied by an adult, perfect for parent-tot classes and Level 1 swimmers. What Car Wash …
Name Circle Circle and Under Core Skill The core skill focused on in this game is swimming agility and comfort with submersion. It encourages children to practice quick movements in the water and become more comfortable with the idea of going under the water. Who This game is designed for children who are learning to …
Teaching swimming to toddlers can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Toddlers are curious, energetic, and eager to learn new skills, but they also have short attention spans, limited body control, and varying levels of confidence. As a swim instructor, you need to balance safety, fun, and learning in your classes. In this blog post, …
Name Fill the bucket, empty the bucket Core Skill This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ streamline, arm strokes, back float, and coordination skills. Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers of Levels 1 to 4. It can be done in two separate lanes or in one lane with an even number of swimmers. What …
Name Otter Eating Core Skill Back Float Who This challenge is suitable for 3 – 5 year-old swimmers who are in level 1 or 2. What The goal of this challenge is to have the swimmer float on their back while holding 2-3 floating toys on their belly without letting them float or splash away. …
Name Diving Ring Pickup Progression Core Skill This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ underwater skills, such as breath control, body position, buoyancy, and coordination. Who This challenge is suitable for intermediate to advanced swimmers who are comfortable with diving and staying underwater for a few seconds. What The swimmers must each have their own …
The Swimming Ideas All Access Memberships provide many tools for your swimming lesson program. One of those tools is the general lesson plan. This guide is a good reference if you are using Swimming Ideas’ levels and lesson plans and will serve as a reference guide if you’re creating your own levels and lesson plans, …
Name Witch Which Witch Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their streamline position, balance, and coordination. Who This game is suitable for swimmers who can swim at least 25 meters without stopping and are comfortable in deep water. What This game is a swimming challenge where swimmers pretend to be witches flying on broomsticks. …
Name Halloween Costume Stroke Core Skill Freestyle swimming with creativity and fun Who Level 3 and Level 4 swimmers who are familiar with the freestyle stroke and can swim at least half a length of the pool. What The challenge asks swimmers to identify what costume they’re going to wear for Halloween. Then, they must …
Name Zoom Around the Moon Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their back float, side-glide, front glide or position 1 glide skills in a fun and engaging way. Who This game is suitable for level 1 swimmers who are comfortable with being in the water and can follow simple instructions. The game requires one …
Name One Finger Floating Core Skill The core skill of this challenge is to develop the swimmer’s confidence and balance in the water, as well as to introduce the concept of buoyancy. Who This challenge is suitable for level 1 swimmers who are learning the basic skills of swimming, such as breathing, floating, and gliding. …
Name Bench Crossing Core Skill Independent front glides Who Level 2 swimmers who can float and glide on their front with minimal support What The swimmer must cross a short gap between two benches in different ways How Challenges Some possible challenges that a swim instructor might face are: Some possible solutions that a swim …
Name Superhero Glides Core skill Gliding on the front and back How The instructor stands in the water near the wall and holds a superhero toy or picture. The swimmer stands on the bench and waits for the instructor to show the superhero. The swimmer then leans into the swim instructor’s support and glides on …
Play this challenge as a simple one off individually with a simple pass or fail or play it as a competitive race with points! Challenge: The challenge is called Two Toe Tornado and teaches how important using your full leg from hips to knees, to legs are in kicking and movement. You need a kickboard …
Splash and Sing is a fun and easy game that helps 3 year olds get comfortable with putting their faces in the water and blowing bubbles. The children will splash the water with their hands and sing a song of their choice.Lo
Category: Level 2 – Glides and Crawls Core Skill: Front glide and recover independently Name: Glide and Catch How: The instructor gives the group of 4 or 5 a basket of balls or other floating objects. One swimmer glides on their front as far as they can or to a bench, then recovers to a …
Flip a Coin Glides It would make sense to have swimmers move from bench to bench moving in a Wave, or all at the same time. Make sure there is enough space between swimmers so that they don’t glide over each other. Some challenges a swim instructor might face when conducting the Flip a coin …
Category: Swimming Games for Toddlers Core Skill: Going Underwater Name: Toy Toss How: This game is simple but fun. You need a toy that floats in water, such as a rubber duck or a plastic ring. You can use any toy that your child likes, as long as it is safe and easy to see. …
Category: Going underwater fun Core Skill: Playing, going underwater Name: Dumpy in the Dingas How: Do you want to make your toddler’s swimming lessons more fun and engaging? Do you want to help them overcome their fear of going underwater and learn to enjoy the water? If so, you might want to try this new …
Category: Group activity, physical movements Core Skill: Learning swim terminology, practicing on land, following directions Name: Spray Dance Streamline How: The instructor leads the activity by introducing the directions and then demonstrating the pretend play and movements. It is super important that the instructor Demonstrates and participates in this activity. They must set the tone. …
– **Swimming Game – Animal Hunt**: A pretend play game for 2-4 year olds in the splash pad where they have to rescue animals that escaped from the zoo by imitating their sounds and movements.
– **Core Skill**: Listening, playing, and following directions. The instructor leads the game by demonstrating the animal actions and the swimmers mimic them¹[1]. The goal is to build trust and encourage the swimmers to join in the fun²[2].
– **Examples of Animals**: Elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, snakes, and alligators. Each animal has a different water feature and a way of interacting with it. The instructor should make the motions goofy, funny, and interesting³[3].
– **Free Resources and Community**: The document invites the readers to join a free community of aquatic professionals and provides contact information and categories of swim lesson games.
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Goals: Learn student names Introduce self (instructor) Give clear expectations: “We’re doing supported front glides. This is what it looks like.” Earn trust: demo activities first and offer modified alternatives if you sense fear. Focus on FUN and routines. Introduce framework: activity, activity, challenge. Smile, laugh, play! Challenge – Lift one foot above water and …
Category: Group / Individual Core Skill: Getting comfortable with the water. Name: Smile Face Float Boat This is another game you can use with the floating smile faces. We use it as an introduction to getting in the water with hesitant 3 year-olds. It doesn’t hold up to anyone older as they’ll get a little …
Category: Group / Individual Core Skill: Putting your face underwater Name: Smiley Faces How: Using the smiley face float toys have your swimmer smile as big as the toy, and hold it up to their faces. Then, using their face, push the floating toy underwater while keeping your smile as large as the toy. Smile …
I recently sent out an email asking about your struggles this summer. Through some conversation I got to talking to Kyndal from Dynamic Aquatics and she shared some wonderful information about games and toys that she brings to her clients for swim lessons. The following is information that she shared with me about what she …
About 40 minutes ago I got out of the water and gave ‘hi-fives’ to the kids from my class, and said, “Well done today, come back next week.” It was not the easiest class. They were all the same “level” in what we call level 2, but they were very new to swimming, and reluctant …
Category: Individual Challenge Core Skill: Going Underwater, Recovering to surface Name: Underwater picture game This game idea comes from one of Swimming Ideas’ members. She uses this game in her swimming lessons and it is a wonderful way to encourage younger swimmers to put their face in the water and begin opening their eyes behind the goggles. The …
Swimming lessons start with being able to go underwater. If you don’t go underwater, then you cannot proceed with learning how to move well through the water. Sometimes it can be difficult to train new staff what to do in their level 1 lessons. In level 1 we focus on going underwater independently. Usually …
Category: Independent Challenge Core Skill: blowing bubbles / going underwater. Name: Floating toy hurricane Level 1 class (going underwater), 5 participants, 1 teacher Assume we have a small pool, water none of the class can touch the bottom in, a platform for the participants to stand in, and a range of toys available. Our goal …
[smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/swimmingideas/SIP_006.mp3″ title=”Swimming Ideas Podcast 006: Songs for Swimming Lessons” artist=”JSWIM” ] SIP 006 is all about singing songs! Here are some great songs you can use in your swimming program to help teach going underwater, getting your face wet, and doing front and back floats. We review what you can do during each song …
Group swimming lesson or swim team game. One player gets a kickboard puts one toy on top of it. Player then floats on back with kickboard balanced on their stomach like it is a turtle shell. Goal is to get to the other side without toy falling off the kickboard, or his shell falling off. …
“Child in the water – ideally 0 depth, or where they can sit, or stand, if not then in the “”saddle”” being held by parent. Parent, in the water next to child or holding child. Fill a bucket with water. Pour bucket over child’s head and smile and shout, say, yell “”BUCKETHEAD!!”” Modify this by …
Swim Lesson Games and Songs for Parent Tot Class We recently did a comprehensive podcast on this topic: SIP 006: Songs and Games for Parent Tot classes Sing the Hokey Pokey: Hokey Pokey together as a group. Put all floaty toys in the middle of a circle. You put your hands in, you put your …
Swimming lessons idea game: Jumps This seems like a stupid thing to write about or talk about. Jumps. Really? something that simple? Yes. Jumping into the pool w/ assistance or without works on a number of different skills and can be a good gauge of trust and progress. Here are a few: Go …
Alligator walks are a great thing to do with novice and little swimmers. This game/activity is perfect for swimmers under 6 years old. This swimming lessons game is excellent! This works best in a zero-depth pool (beach like simulated pool). Lay on your belly and use your arms to hold your head above the water. …
This is the best swimming lessons game of all time. Buckethead’s success is directly proportional to the amount of enthusiasm the instructor puts into it. With action, fearlessness, and boldness this can be the most successful game of all time. Get a bucket/pail/bowl Fill it with water pour it over the participant’s head while shouting/singing/saying …
This swimming lessons game works best in a zero-depth pool; a pool that simulates a beach. There are a number of swimming skills that it works on, and many more depending on how creative your instructors or you are. Treasure Hunt: Get a kickboard. This will be your “boat.” Every child in your class is …
Bake a Cake -Get a hoola hoop, or a circular object and make that your “cake” -Have swimmers circle around the hoola hoop and hold the sides. -Take turns asking each swimmer what they would like in their cake. Exp: “Susie, what would you like in your cake?” “CHOCOLATE!” “Ok, lets put some chocolate in …
