Splash my toes
£0.60 – £1.75Price range: £0.60 through £1.75
The splashing of toes on the water surface, in order to achieve a better body position.
PS8
Description
Most commonly this is the first step in self propulsion for children when swimming.
This award combines both water confidence as well as encouraging the child to self propel using their legs. The child’s toes need to break the surface of the water to splash – therefore encouraging movement/propulsion.
This first step in leg action is where we encourage the child to keep their legs long, straight and to point their toes, it also encourages a good body position in the water on both their front and back. An essential first milestone to build from.
Additional needs
The first step in self propulsion is key in linking movement and body position within the water.
Children with a physical disability of the lower limbs should initiate the kick from their hips and hold the body position for this award.
Children with learning difficulties may prefer to complete this award upon their back initially unless they have high water confidence and able to place face in the water.
This award celebrates the swimmers freedom to move in the water by themselves.
Lesson Ideas
Encouraging swimmers to use their toes can be difficult if the swimmer doesn’t like splashes on their face.
Games where the swimmers face all the same way will help minimalize the splashes.
Swimmers can hold onto a fixed object like the poolside or a floating object/fingers to practice long legs and pointed toes whilst pretending to be a ballerina. Holding on to something focus’s the swimmers attention just to their legs and feet.
Racing games using additional aids are always good to promote fast leg kicks as this focus’s just on kicks. Games can be team work or individuals in straight lines or around obstacle courses. Several swimmers holding onto a single large float with a competition who can kick the most or woggle races in pairs or individuals. Swimmers can be more likely to splash with their toes if there is someone on the poolside to splash!
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