ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Objective: Breaststroke

Swimming Unit | Level 24

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to do the breaststroke. 

IMPORTANCE
The breaststroke is important because it is very useful in survival swimming. The breaststroke keeps your head out of the water a large portion of the time, allowing you to breathe freely and swim comfortably at slow speeds.

VOCABULARY
Breaststroke: a swimming stroke done in a front position with both hands moving simultaneously forward and outward from the chest while the legs move in a frog-like kick.

When doing the breaststroke, it is important to:

PRACTICE

1. Line up shoulder-to-shoulder on the edge of the pool. When I say, "GO!" the first four students will practice kicking three times then bring their head back up as they swim across the pool. Once the first four students have reach the middle of the pool, the next four students may begin.
2. This time, when I say, "GO!" the first four students will practice their breaststroke with breathing across the pool. Once the first four students have reach the middle of the pool, the next four students may begin.

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Marco Polo. In this game, the famous adventurer, Marco Polo, has been separated from his mischievous crew while at sea. Your goal is to breaststroke away from Marco Polo as he begins to reach you.

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will choose a student to begin as Marco Polo (tagger). He/she will keep their eyes closed during the game.
• Everyone else will begin as a crew member.
• Before the game begins, crew members will find an area in the shallow end of the pool.
• When I say, “GO!” Marco Polo will say, “Marco” while the crew responds with, “Polo”.
• Marco Polo will follow the sounds to try and tag a crew member.
• Crew members must breaststroke in order to avoid getting tagged.
• If you are tagged, then you become Marco Polo for the next game.
• Each tag must be made out of the water using a two-finger butterfly tag.
• You may not splash or touch Marco Polo.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:  
  • Remind students to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid bumping into others.
  •  If students see that Marco Polo is headed out of the shallow end or towards a wall, they can say, “heads up!”
• ELL Accommodation:
  • Post labeled pictures of skills (step by step) 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:
  • Which direction should your palms be facing when you take your breath?
  • How can you keep yourself motivated if the breaststroke is challenging?

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Colors III. In this game, you are guppies swimming in the fish tank with the betta fish (tagger). Your goal is to breaststroke when the betta fish guesses your color.

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will choose the betta fish. The betta fish will stand on the edge of the pool.
• Guppies will begin in the water holding onto the edge of the pool.
• Before the game begins, guppies will choose a color to keep to themselves.
• When I say, “GO!” the betta fish will begin guessing out loud different colors.
• If the betta fish calls your color, breaststroke as quickly and quietly as you can to the other side of the shallow end.
• If the betta fish hears you and turns around, he/she can slide into the fish tank and try to tag you before you get to the other end.
• If you are tagged, then you become the betta fish for the next game.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:  
  • If the betta fish are complaining about being cold while they are out of the water, have them cover their eyes while they hold onto the side of the pool in the water.
  • Consider giving betta fish three chances to tag a guppy so that plenty of students have a chance to be the betta fish.  
• ELL Accommodation:
  • Post labeled pictures of skills (step by step) 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:
  • Which direction should your palms be facing when you take your breath?
  • How can you keep yourself motivated if the breaststroke is challenging?

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Megamouth Shark. In this game, your goal is to breaststroke swim away from the megamouth shark (tagger) before he eats you.

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will choose a student to begin as the megamouth shark.
• Everyone else will begin as a swimmer.
• Before the game begins, swimmers will find an area in the pool.
• When I say, “GO!” swimmers will begin swimming using the breaststroke.
• The megamouth shark will glide underwater, trying to tag swimmers.
• If you are tagged, then you become a megamouth shark and can begin tagging others.
• We will play until there is one swimmer left. 

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:  
  • Encourage students to wear their goggles during this game.
  • Remind students to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid bumping into others.
  • Allow this game to be played in either the deep or shallow end of the pool.  
• ELL Accommodation:
  • Post labeled pictures of skills (step by step) 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:
  • Which direction should your palms be facing when you take your breath?
  • How can you keep yourself motivated if the breaststroke is challenging?