Grade 1 Movement Activities : Swimming

Movement Activities — Swimming

Jumping safely into water — practice with a teacher or lifeguard

Specific Learning Outcomes (what learners will be able to do)

Say and follow 4 simple safety rules before jumping into water (listen to teacher, check where to jump, feet first, have an adult nearby).
Practice bending knees and jumping from a low poolside step with two feet together.
Jump feet-first into shallow water under teacher supervision and float/wiggle to the teacher or edge.
Show safe body position on entry: knees together, arms ready to help balance, head up.
Join a short game that uses small jumps to build confidence and balance in water.

Suggested Learning Experiences (simple steps for the teacher)

1. Warm-up on land (5–8 minutes)

Play a short song and do gentle jumps on spot: "jump like a frog" then "jump like a star".
Show feet-together jump and landing (knees soft). Let each child try 3 times.

2. Poolside safety talk (3–5 minutes)

Teacher explains: always check if the place is safe, only jump where the teacher says, and an adult must be near.
Use simple visual cues (green cone = jump ok, red cone = no jumping).

3. Practice low jumps from the poolside step (10–12 minutes)

Start in very shallow water with teacher close by. Children hold the edge, step onto the small ledge, then jump with both feet into the water feet-first.
Encourage arms forward slightly, look at the teacher, land with knees soft, then swim or float to the edge.
Repeat 4–6 times per child, giving praise for effort.

4. Fun game: "Jump and Splash" (8–10 minutes)

Place floating toys a short distance from the edge. Children take turns jumping from the shallow step to reach a toy and bring it back. Teacher supports each child as needed.
Use teams or pairs to encourage cheering and turn-taking (good for Kenyan school yards and community pools).

5. Cool down and reflection (5 minutes)

Sit at the pool edge, wiggle toes in water, and ask children: "Which jump was easy? Which was hard?"
Share a sticker or stamp for trying safely.

Safety notes (important)

Always have an adult, teacher or lifeguard present. Do not let learners jump alone.
Check with the teacher where it is safe to jump. Use only places the teacher says are safe.
Jump feet-first. No running and diving for young beginners.
Use life jackets or float vests for children who are not yet confident swimmers.
If practicing near rivers, lakes or beaches (common in Kenya), remain on supervised areas and follow community safety rules.

Materials and teacher preparation

Small step/low platform, floating toys, cones (green/red), life jackets, whistle.
Ensure pool access is safe, water temperature comfortable, and first aid kit is available.

Assessment (simple checks for age 6)

Observe each child jump 2 times safely with teacher support.
Ask 2 safety questions: "Where do we jump?" and "Who must be near?" — child should answer correctly.
Note confidence: comfortable, needs support, or not ready yet.

Differentiation

For less confident learners: use flotation aid and teacher support in water; shorter jumps from shallower ledge.
For more confident learners: increase distance to a floating toy or practice gentle step-off without holding edge.

Engaging parents / caregivers

Send a short note: "We practised safe jumping today. Please practise small jumps at home or at a supervised pool/beach and remind your child: always jump where an adult says it is safe."
Invite parents to a demonstration day so children can show one safe jump with a teacher nearby.

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