Games and Songs for the Pool #2

More games and songs that you can use in the pool! See part 1 if you have not already.

Grand ol Duke of York.

The grand ol duke of york,

He had 10 000 men,

He marched them up to the top of the hill (everyone goes up),

And he marched them down again( everyone goes down),

And when they are up there up(go up),

And when they are down they are down (go down),

And when they are only half way up,

They are neither up (go up) or down (go down).

This song can be used to just generate a little excitement by throwing your child in the air and catching them again, OR when the song cues everyone to go down you can either practise bubbles or go underwater with your child. 

Chop Chop Timber

Plant little tree seeds (the kids) on the side of the wall,

Pour water on them while they grow,

And then chop them down ( kids fall into the water)

This is a game, no singing required. This game is a great way to work on entries ( jumping) into the water. 

If You’re Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

Add verses to work on specific swim skills. For example, blowing bubbles, putting face in the water, doing a back float, etc ( really anything). 

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. (Action: Sit on pool edge, hands outstretched, imitating big tummies)

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. (Action: Fall in)

All the king’s horses,

And all the king’s men,
Couldn’t put Humpty together again. (Action: Do a back float)

This song practises entires into the water (jumping) and back floats. Have your kids to it by themselves, with a noodle or with you depending on what level they are at. 

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle little star, 

how I wonder what you are.

 Up above the world so high,

 Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

 how I wonder what you are.

This song is good to practise back floats. Have your child look up at the ceiling with their chin back and look at the stars. They can do this independently, with a noodle or with you. Depending on where they are. 

Itsy Bitsy Spider

The itsy bitsy spider ran up the waterspout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out (go underwater).
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

This song can be used to go underwater or practise bubbles if your child is not ready for submersion.  

Five Little Frogs

Five green and speckled frogs, Sat on a speckled log,
eating some most delicious bugs.

Yum, yum!

One jumped into the pool,

Where it was nice and cool,

Then there were Four green speckled frogs...

Additional verses:
Continue the song until there is only “one green and speckled frog” left.

This song can be used for entries into the water (jumping). Each time you sing the song have your child jump in the water.

The noodles discussed above can be bought on Amazon, Walmart and Big Lots.