ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Objective: Breathing control

Swimming Unit | Level 11

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to do our breathing control. 

IMPORTANCE
Breathing control is important because it helps your coordination between movements to create even strokes and kicks. Breathing also helps your buoyancy and propulsion through the water.

VOCABULARY
Propulsion: the action of pushing forward.

When practicing breathing control, it is important to:

PRACTICE

1. Spread out, holding onto the edge of the pool. When I say, "GO!" practice putting your face in the water for five seconds while blowing bubbles.
2. This time, practice your breathing control by alternating your head turns to four times.
3. This time, practice your breathing control by turning your head four times on the side you feel most comfortable.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Pass the Sea Cucumber. In this game, we will be passing sea cucumbers (diving sticks) as quickly as we can. Your goal is to practice your breathing control as the sea cucumber is passed down the line.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Find a spot shoulder-to-shoulder in the water along the edge of the shallow end of the pool.   
• I will give a sea cucumber to the students at the end of the line
• When I say, “GO!” begin passing the sea cucumber while practicing your breath control.
• The sea cucumber must be passed under the water to each student.
• If you are on the end of the line and receive the sea cucumber, shout, “GOT IT!” so everyone knows to bob under the water and pop up.
• We will see which end receives the sea cucumber first.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Remind students to wear goggles during this game.
• ELL Accommodation:
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation:
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher. -Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
• Reflection:
  • What is another word for "pushing forward"?
  • Why is it important to learn breathing control?

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Manatee Mingle II. In this game, you are manatees swimming in the canals. Your goal is to practice your breathing control with another manatee when you hear, “MINGLE!”

INSTRUCTIONS

• Before the game begins, find an area in the shallow end of the pool.
• When I say, “GO!” begin wading around the water.
• When I say, “MINGLE!” partner up with the manatee swimming closest to you.
• With your partner you will hold hands and front float for five seconds while you practice your breathing control.
• When you are done, begin wading around the pool again.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Remind students to use their proper floating form.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
  • Set  individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
• Reflection:
  • What is another word for "pushing forward"?
  • Why is important to learn breathing control?

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Mr. Shark. In this game, you are a group of very sneaky fish wondering what time it is. Your goal is to blow bubbles to practice your breathing control, for every hour of time that Mr. Shark calls out.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Before the game begins, line up shoulder-to-shoulder in the water along the edge of pool.
• I will choose a student to begin as Mr. Shark.
• Mr. Shark will begin at the opposite end of the shallow end with his/her back turned.
• As a class you will shout out, “What time is it Mr. Shark?”
• Mr. Shark will respond with the time (ex: “It’s 3 o’clock or it’s 5 o’clock”) or “It’s dinner time!”
• If Mr. Shark responds with the time, you must wade forward that many step as you put your face in the water and blow bubbles.
• If Mr. Shark responds with, “It’s dinner time!” you must wade or swim to the other edge of the shallow end, without getting tagged.
• If you are tagged, then you become Mr. Shark for the next game.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Remind students to use their proper floating form.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
  • Set  individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
• Reflection:
  • What is another word for "pushing forward"?
  • Why is important to learn breathing control?