TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to flutter kick with a kickboard
IMPORTANCE
Flutter kicking is important because it is a fundamental skill for learning how to do the front crawl. Your flutter kick will help you swim faster.
VOCABULARY
Surface: uppermost layer of something
When flutter kicking with a kickboard, it is important to:
1. Hold onto the top of the kickboard
2. Keep your head out of the water, bringing your body inline with the water surface.
3. Keep your knees slightly bent and your toes pointed as you kick your legs.
PRACTICE
- I will divide the class into partners. With your partner, Ro Sham Bo to decide who will go first. Partners will begin on opposite sides of the shallow end. When I say, "GO" flutter kick to the other side of the shallow end. When you reach the other side, pass the kickboard to your partner for his/her turn.
- Repeat as many times as needed.
WHIRLPOOL II
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-20 students per game
EQUIPMENT
1 kickboard per student
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Whirlpool. In this game, we will be creating a body of swirling water, also known as a whirlpool. Your goal is to see if you can flutter kick using a kickboard in the whirlpool’s current.
INSTRUCTIONS
- With the class, form a circle in the shallow end with your kickboard.
- You must be at least an arm’s length away from the students standing next you.
- When I say, “GO!” begin wading in a clockwise direction.
- When I say, “FLUTTER KICK!” push off the ground and let the current of the whirlpool help you glide as you practice your flutter kicks.
- When I say, WADE!” begin wading again.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Have students jog in a circle to create the whirlpool.
Game 3: Have students switch directions in the middle of the glide to feel the current of the whirlpool.
Exit Ticket: Have students flutter kick using their kickboard as they go to exit the water.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Call out “FLUTTER KICK!” when the current is strong enough to help students float.
- 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 one important thing to do when doing a flutter kick?
- How did you encourage your teammate?
MANATEE MINGLE III
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
1 kickboard per student
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Manatee Mingle III. In this game, you are manatees swimming in the canals. Your goal is to flutter kick using a kickboard as you swim around.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, find an area in the shallow end of the pool.
- When I say, “GO!” begin flutter kicking around the water.
- When I say, “MINGLE!” partner up with the manatee swimming closest to you.
- With your partner, you will place your kickboard on top of the other and front float for five seconds.
- When you are done, begin flutter kicking around the pool again.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students have to choose a new partner each time they mingle.
Game 2: When students hear, “MINGLE!” they have to form groups of three.
Game 3: Each round, eliminate the last pair of manatees to find each other. Play until there are only a few manatees left.
Exit Ticket: Have students flutter kick using their kickboard as they go to exit the water.
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 one important thing to do when doing a flutter kick?
- How did you encourage your teammate?
MR. SHARK II
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
None
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Mr. Shark II. In this game, you are a group of very sneaky fish wondering what time it is. Your goal is to flutter kick using a kickboard, 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 with your kickboard.
- I will choose a student to begin as Mr. Shark.
- Mr. Shark will begin with his/her back turned on the opposite edge of the shallow end.
- 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 7 o’clock”) or “It’s dinner time!”
- If Mr. Shark responds with the time, you must flutter kick that many times towards Mr. Shark.
- If Mr. Shark responds with, “It’s dinner time!” you must flutter kick to the other edge of the shallow end, without getting tagged.
- If you are tagged, then you become Mr. Shark for the next game.
Game 1: Play as indicated above
Exit Ticket: Have students flutter kick using their kickboard as they go to exit the water.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Assign a student with proficient swim skills to begin as Mr. Shark.
- 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 one important thing to do when doing a flutter kick?
- How did you encourage your teammate?