Singing and Swimming

For some little ones, it can be very challenging getting them in the pool. There are so many different skills  we are told are important to practice, and I personally want my little one to have positive associations with the water. Here are some songs and games you can try out in the water!

Have fun!

• Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

  Goal: To practise holding the wall and pushing off

  For this one, help your little one hold onto the side of the wall with feet up.
  On BLAST OFF, they can push their legs and bodies against the wall

  Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon
  Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going very soon
  If you want to take a trip, climb aboard my rocket ship
  Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going very soon
  5….4….3…2…1…BLAST OFF    

• All the Fish

  Goal: To feel comfortable lying on their backs

  For this one, support your little one’s’ head as you move them on their backs along the water. If they are still reluctant, try holding a mirror over their heads to distract them.

  All the fish are swimming in the water
  Swimming in the water, swimming in the water
  All the fish are swimming in the water
  Swim, swim, swim the whole day long

• The Old Grand Duke of York

  Goal: To get used to the water being on different parts of their bodies

  For this one, hold your little one out in front -  facing you. Do little bounces to the beat. Follow the words of the song and move your little one up and down in and out of the water.

  The old grand duke of York
  He had ten thousand men
  He marched them up to the top of the hill
  And he marched them down again

  And when they were up, they were up
  And when they were down, they down
  And when they were only half way up
  They were neither up, nor down.

• The Leaves are Green

  Goal: To get used to going under the water

  This one is a great one to do with friends in a circle. If not, you can walk around while bouncing your little one to the beat.
  All hold hands and walk around the circle as the song is sung.
  On the words ‘Fall down together’, put your child under the water.
  NB: For the first few goes, your child will need a count in to know that they are going under – say Their name, Ready,  GO and the put them under. Once they know the pattern, you can start doing it with the song.

  The leaves are green, the nuts are brown
  They hang so high, they won’t fall down
  Leave them alone ‘til frosty weather
  And they will all fall down together

• Sally Go 'Round the Sun

  Goal: To gain confidence jumping into the water

  For this one, sing the song as your little one stands or sits on the pool edge (don’t forget Safety Toes!!). On the word BOOM, your little one can jump to your arms.

  Sally go ‘round the sun
  Sally go ‘round the moon
  Sally go ‘round the chimney pot
  Every afternoon BOOM!