Name
Spray Dance Streamline
Core Skill
Learning swim terminology, practicing on land, following directions
Who
Guppies, toddlers, ages 2–4
What
This game is primarily for Guppies classes using a spray or splash pad. The intention is to spin or dance underneath a spray feature while doing swimming-specific skills like airplane, position 11, and streamline. You can do different positions under different spray features and move between them throughout the activity. Add your own poses, like doing front crawl arms or back crawl arms.
How
The instructor leads the activity by introducing the directions and then demonstrating the pretend play and movements.
Underneath a spray sprinkler, spin and close your eyes, trying to get the spray to land on your face. While you do, twirl your hands around you in airplane position. Next, move your hands into position 11 with your palms facing upwards, attempting to block the spray. Fine-tune: lock your thumb, squeeze your ears with your elbows. Into a streamline position and continue spinning, trying to keep the water out of your face.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Young swimmers may be hesitant to close their eyes or spin under the spray. Start with gentle spray and demonstrate enthusiastically. Some children may not follow the sequence—keep it playful and let them explore the positions at their own pace. If a child is afraid of water on their face, allow them to start with just the airplane position and gradually work up to streamline.