Water Play Lesson Plan

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What We Are Learning
 

Health and Safety Focus:

water safety

 

Social and Emotional Learning Focus:

responsible decision making

 

Theme Vocabulary Words:

ocean, beach, pool, lake, sprinklers, lifeguard

 

Skills We’re Practicing:

group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary, shape recognition, fine-motor skills

  • In Llama Llama Learns to Swim by Anna Dewdney, Llama Llama is nervous about going to the beach because he does not know how to swim. But thanks to Mama Llama and a very special swimming buddy, he’s finally able to feel comfortable going in the water. When you’re done reading, talk to children about their own swim experiences! What makes them feel safe in the water?

Water Safety Pledge

Materials: paper plate, red paint, paintbrush, printed photo of each child, glue stick, black marker, Water Safety Pledge skill sheet

  • This adorable life buoy craft reminds kids to stay water safe this summer.
  • Give each child a paper plate, a small circular photo of themselves, a paintbrush, red paint, and a glue stick.
  • Have each child paint a red X on the bottom side of their plate. Then have them glue their photo to the center of the X. Set the plates out to dry.
  • Then have children cut out the Water Safety Pledge. Talk about each of the safety promises on it. Children can mark each sentence with an X as they promise to follow all the water safety rules. When the plates dry, they can glue the pledge to the inside of the plate. Send the plates home with them so their grown-ups can see all the ways they can stay water safe. fine-motor skills/safety

Materials: blocks, blue fabric or sheet (optional), pool toys (optional)

  • Turn your classroom’s block area into your neighborhood swimming pool!
  • Have children work together in groups of three to construct a pool out of blocks. The enclosure should be large enough for two children to fit inside. If you like, add blue fabric to the middle of the structure to help the children visualize water in the pool.
  • When children are done building the pool, they can pretend to swim in it! Encourage them to take turns playing different roles—the grownup, the child, and the lifeguard!
  • Children can also play “pool” by using blocks to create swimming pool enclosures for dolls or smaller playthings. Have them use blocks to build a structure around the perimeter of a piece of blue construction paper. Remind them to have each character follow water safety rules! engineering/pretend play