Splash & Grow: 8-Week Parent & Tot 3 Adventure

Welcome to our fun-filled 8-week swimming journey! Each week we'll explore new skills and build confidence in the water together.

Week 1: Welcome Bubblers!

Focus: Getting Comfortable & Blowing Bubbles

• Warm-up: Gentle splashing, singing welcome songs ('If You're Happy and You Know It Splash Your Hands').
• Skills: Assisted entries/exits. Practice getting face wet (water over head with cue). Introduction to blowing bubbles (motorboat sounds). Assisted front float (chin in water).
• Game: 'Motorboat, Motorboat' - move around blowing bubbles.
• Safety Tip: Always ask permission before entering the water.

Week 2: Floating Fun

Focus: Front & Back Floats

• Warm-up: Review bubble blowing. Sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' while doing gentle movements.
• Skills: Practice assisted front floats (longer duration). Introduce assisted back floats (head back, ears wet). Gentle rocking motion in float position.
• Game: 'Starfish Floats' - try to float like a starfish (assisted).
• Safety Tip: Importance of wearing a lifejacket (show and tell).

Week 3: Kicking Kickstarts

Focus: Kicking Introduction

• Warm-up: Singing 'Wheels on the Bus' with arm movements.
• Skills: Assisted flutter kick practice on the front (holding wall or parent). Assisted flutter kick practice on the back (head supported). Combine kicking with floats (assisted).
• Game: 'Red Light, Green Light' with kicking (parent guides speed).
• Safety Tip: Never swim alone. Always have a grown-up.

Week 4: Glide & Slide

Focus: Assisted Glides

• Warm-up: Review floats and kicking. Practice assisted bobs (up and down, blowing bubbles).
• Skills: Assisted front glide from wall ('Superman Glide'). Assisted back glide from wall. Focus on streamlined body position (with help).
• Game: 'Rocket Ship Blasts Off' - gliding from the wall.
• Safety Tip: What to do if you fall in (turn around, grab the wall - practiced assisted).

Week 5: Underwater Exploration (Optional)

Focus: Introduction to Submersion (Child-Led)

• Warm-up: Songs and bubble blowing.
• Skills: Review assisted bobs. Encourage blowing bubbles underwater. If child is ready, offer assisted brief submersion (always child's choice, positive reinforcement). Retrieving submerged toys (in shallow water, assisted).
• Game: 'Finding Treasure' - dropping sinkable toys for assisted retrieval.
• Safety Tip: Pool rules discussion (walking feet, listening ears).

Week 6: Movement Mania

Focus: Combining Skills

• Warm-up: Active water play, review favorite skills.
• Skills: Practice assisted front glide with kick. Practice assisted back glide with kick. Short distance travel using kicking and gliding (assisted).
• Game: 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' incorporating back floats/kicks.
• Safety Tip: Reach or Throw, Don't Go (demonstrate reaching assists).

Week 7: Safety First

Focus: Reinforcing Water Safety & Entries

• Warm-up: Safety songs ('Stop, Look, and Ask Before You Go In').
• Skills: Practice safe assisted entries (slide-in, walking in). Review turning and grabbing the wall after simulated fall-in (assisted). Practice wearing a lifejacket correctly in the water.
• Game: 'Safety Simon Says' (e.g., Simon Says walk on the deck, Simon Says blow bubbles).
• Safety Tip: Review calling for help.

Week 8: Celebration Splash!

Focus: Review & Fun Day

• Warm-up: Child chooses favorite warm-up song/activity.
• Skills: Review all key skills: floats, kicks, glides, bubbles, safe entry/exit. Parent praises effort and progress.
• Game: Free play with favorite water toys. Obstacle course (assisted) using learned skills.
• Safety Tip: Recap of all safety rules learned. Congratulations!