Grade 3 Movement : Swimming – Star-fish Float Notes

Movement — Swimming

Specific learning outcomes:

Know and explain the Star‑fish float position on the back.
Demonstrate the Star‑fish float safely in shallow water for 20 seconds with adult supervision.
Follow safety rules at pools, beaches or lakes in Kenya (e.g., Lake Victoria, Mombasa beaches).
Use simple corrections to keep body relaxed and breathe calmly while floating.

Materials and environment:

Simple steps to do the Star‑fish float (easy language):

Stand in shallow water so the teacher can reach you easily.
Take a deep breath and lie back slowly. Keep your face out of the water so you can breathe.
Stretch your arms and legs out wide like a star — fingers and toes relaxed.
Keep your tummy up and try to relax. Look at the sky or ceiling.
Breathe slowly. If you start to sink, kick gently or call the teacher for help.
When done, roll to your side or stand up carefully with the teacher's help.

Safety rules (very important):

Always practice with a teacher, parent or lifeguard close by. Never swim alone.
Use shallow calm water first. Do not try in deep water without a life jacket and adult help.
Do not hold your breath under water to float — breathe normally.
If at the beach (Mombasa, Diani) watch for waves and currents. Only swim where it is safe.
If you feel scared, roll to your tummy and swim to the edge, or call the adult.

Suggested learning experiences (how to teach and practice):

Teacher demonstration: Show the float on land first — lie back on a mat and spread arms/legs.
Partner practice: One child floats while a partner stands nearby holding a noodle under their back for support.
Guided practice: Teacher gives one instruction at a time (breathe, relax, arms out) while children try.
Counting game: Children try to float quietly while the teacher counts to 10, then 20 — increase slowly.
Rescue practice: Teach how to roll to a safe position and stand up from the float with help.
Outdoor link: Visit a local safe swimming place (school pool, community pool, or supervised beach) and practise.

Common problems and easy fixes:

Head drops under water — tip chin slightly up and ask partner to support your shoulders until comfortable.
Legs sink — relax the legs, point toes slightly out, or practise with a float noodle under the hips.
Feeling tense — count slowly while breathing in and out to relax muscles.

Assessment (what teacher looks for):

Extension activities and games:

Star Count: Float while teacher counts to a number; try to increase the count each lesson.
Star Relay: In small groups, one child floats across a shallow area and returns safely.
Calm Breathing: Practice breathing while lying on land with arms and legs like a star.

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