Face float and turtle float for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Aquatic Sports
Focal competence: Practising safe water entry, floating and kicking to gain confidence and stay safe in water
Key competencies/values: Respect; Tolerance
Skills:

• Gaining water confidence

Previous Lesson: Safe Water Entry, Exit and Water Adjustment in Swimming
Topic: Swimming: Basic Floating
Subject Matter: Face float, turtle float

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• State the meaning of floating.
• Identify the correct body position for a face float.
• Identify the correct body position for a turtle float.

Affective Domain

• Show respect for safety rules during water activities.
• Demonstrate tolerance towards classmates during practice.
• Develop confidence in performing basic water skills.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate a face float with supervision.
• Demonstrate a turtle float with supervision.
• Perform the taught basic swimming steps in a safe, supervised setting.
• Return to a standing position safely after floating.

Social Domain

• Cooperate with partners when using flotation aids.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Physical and Health Education for Primary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Swimming trunks
• Pool (where available)
• Safe supervised pool or dry-land simulation area
• Float or kick-board (where appropriate)
• Pictures or charts illustrating face float and turtle float

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for developing fundamental water safety skills and confidence in young children. Learning basic floating techniques like the face float and turtle float provides a foundation for future swimming skills and helps pupils feel safer and more comfortable in aquatic environments. It also introduces them to the importance of supervision and safe practices around water.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of following instructions and might have some familiarity with water through bathing or playing in shallow water, under supervision.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Swimming: Basic Floating

Meaning of Floating

Floating means staying on top of the water without sinking. It happens when your body is light enough to be supported by the water.

Face Float

The face float is a basic way to float on your stomach with your face in the water.

1. Body Position: Lie on your stomach, stretching your arms forward and your legs backward.
2. Head Position: Put your face in the water, looking down, and hold your breath.
3. Relaxation: Keep your body relaxed to help you stay on top of the water.
4. Support: Use a wall, partner, or float board for support if needed.
5. Returning to Standing: Slowly bring your knees towards your chest and push down with your arms to stand up safely.

Turtle Float

The turtle float is another basic way to float where you curl up like a ball in the water.

1. Body Position: Start by standing in shallow water.
2. Curling Up: Bend your knees and bring them close to your chest. Hug your knees with your arms, tucking your head down towards your knees.
3. Relaxation: Let your body relax and become like a ball. Your back will naturally rise to the surface.
4. Support: This float can be done without much support once confidence is gained.
5. Returning to Standing: Gently uncurl your body, extend your legs down, and push up with your hands to stand safely.

Safety Tips for Floating

1. Always have a qualified adult supervising.
2. Only practice in a safe, shallow area of the pool or a designated dry-land simulation area.
3. Use flotation aids like kick-boards if you are not confident.
4. Always follow the teacher’s instructions.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they know about water safety or playing in water. The teacher then introduces the topic of basic floating in swimming.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Water safety awareness

Step 2: Explanation of Floating

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what floating means, using simple language and showing pictures or demonstrating with an object if possible. The teacher also highlights the importance of relaxation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and observe any demonstrations, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Meaning of floating

Step 3: Demonstration of Face Float

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the face float, either in a pool (if available and safe) or through a dry-land simulation. The teacher explains each step clearly: lying on stomach, arms forward, face in water, holding breath, and relaxing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, paying attention to body and head position.

Learning Point: Face float demonstration

Step 4: Practice Face Float

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice the face float under direct supervision, providing support with a wall, partner, or flotation aid as needed. The teacher reminds them to relax and breathe correctly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the face float, following the teacher’s guidance and using available support.

Learning Point: Face float practice

Step 5: Demonstration of Turtle Float

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the turtle float, explaining how to curl up like a ball, hug the knees, and tuck the head. This can also be done in a pool or dry-land simulation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration of the turtle float, noting the curled body position.

Learning Point: Turtle float demonstration

Step 6: Practice Turtle Float

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice the turtle float, ensuring they curl up properly and relax. The teacher also guides them on how to safely return to a standing position.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the turtle float and learn to safely stand up from the float.

Learning Point: Turtle float practice

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What does it mean to float?
2. Show me how to do a face float.
3. Show me how to do a turtle float.
4. What is one important safety rule when floating?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Basic floating assessment

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on face float and turtle float into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording floating notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the importance of safety and practice in swimming. The teacher encourages them to continue practicing these basic floats under supervision.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of continuous practice and safety.

Learning Point: Importance of water safety

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practice Exercise

Instruction: Practice these floats at home with an adult in a safe, shallow environment (e.g., a large basin or bathtub for simulation, or a pool if available). Draw a picture of yourself doing a face float or a turtle float.

1. Practice the face float for 5 seconds.
2. Practice the turtle float for 5 seconds.
3. Draw a picture showing a face float.
4. Draw a picture showing a turtle float.
5. Tell an adult one safety rule for floating.

Lesson Keywords

• Float – To stay on top of water without sinking.
• Face float – A float done on the stomach with the face in the water.
• Turtle float – A float done by curling the body into a ball.
• Supervision – Being watched by an adult.
• Relax – To make your body calm and loose.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide extra one-on-one guidance and more physical support during practice. Allow them to use more flotation aids or practice in very shallow water. Focus on one float at a time until they gain confidence.
For faster learners: Challenge them to hold the floats for a longer duration. Encourage them to try transitioning between a face float and a turtle float. They can also assist weaker learners under teacher supervision.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations, search on YouTube for: primary 1 face float turtle float swimming

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a safe and appropriate environment for demonstration and practice, whether it’s a supervised pool or a designated dry-land simulation area. Prepare any instructional materials like charts or flotation aids. Begin by explaining the concept of floating clearly, then demonstrate the face float and turtle float step-by-step. Guide pupils through practice, providing constant supervision and encouragement. Pay close attention to their body positioning and relaxation. For dry-land simulations, ensure pupils understand they are mimicking water movements. Emphasise safety rules throughout the lesson. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical activities and evaluation to reinforce their learning. Check for understanding through questions and observation during practice.