Round 1: Entry and Warm-Up
Start the lesson with a calm, fun entry. The child sits on the side of the pool while the parent gets in the water. Keep a hold on the child while doing so.
Activities in Round 1
"Motorboat, motorboat, go so slow, Motorboat, motorboat, go so fast, Motorboat, motorboat, step on the gas!!!!"
At each line, move the feet faster to match the song. This builds anticipation and leg movement.
Round 2: Front Floats and Toy Retrieval
Transition to supported front floats and independent movement. The parent holds the child securely while they practice floating on their front.
Supported Front Floats
Use a secure hold: palms up, thumbs around the child's shoulders. Alternatively, hold the child like catching a football, with thumbs wrapped around the rib cage and fingers around the shoulder blades.
Climbing Out and Toy Retrieval
Practice climbing out of the water to build arm and leg strength. Then, throw a floating toy a short distance and encourage the child to reach for it with support. This builds confidence and introduces the idea of moving toward an object.
Video Demonstration
Watch this video for a visual guide to the front float hold and motorboat song:
Key Takeaways
- Keep the lesson playful and low-pressure. Parent-tot classes are about water acclimation and bonding.
- Use songs like "Motorboat" to make kicking fun and rhythmic.
- Practice front floats with a secure hold to build trust and comfort in the water.
- End with a simple toy retrieval to encourage movement and independence.
Parent Tot – Song – If you're happy and you know it
Play 2 x
Can do this with child sitting on the side, or with the child in the parent's arms.
Lyrics:
If you're happy and you know it, splash your hands If you're happy and you know it, splash your hands If you're happy and you know it And you really want to show it If you're happy and you know it, splash your hands If you're happy and you know it, splash your feet If you're happy and you know it, splash your feet If you're happy and you know it And you really want to show it If you're happy and you know it, splash your feet If you're happy and you know it, Kiss the water If you're happy and you know it, Kiss the water If you're happy and you know it If you're happy and you know it If you're happy and you know it, Kiss the water If you're happy and you know it, Kiss the water
Round 3: Throw a toy and Get it
Throw a toy and Get it.
Motorboat to the toy. Go FAST and pull in an "S" shape.
Back float back to the wall.
Supported Back Float / Glide
Have the swimmer rest on the parent’s shoulder. Lean into their neck and arm.
If ADVANCED hold the back of the head.
Advanced babies
Start with head on shoulder, support the head and body, and finally support the head.
Your calm will dictate the swimmer’s calm.
Parent Tot – Song – The Wheels on the Bus
Hold the swimmer in the “saddle” as pictured below.
The Wheels on the Bus go…
Splash splash splash.
The Wipers on the bus go, swish, swish, swish.
The People on the bus go, Up and down, up and down, up and down.
Round 3: Going underwater: Scooping vs Dunking
– Start at Chin Then Lips, then Nose, Then Eyes
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