I’d Rather Be Swimming!
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
OCTOPUS
(DOG PADDLE AND TREADING WATER)
1. You may start with the help of a floatation device, but soon you will be able to do it on your own, so you won’t want or need it anymore!
2. Dig, dig, dig like a doggy. Kick, kick, kick. When you get your kick up behind you, you will go forward.
3. Don’t bend your knees too much. It’s a motor boat flutter kick! Stretch your feet and toes out flat and flex your ankles. Keep your legs pretty straight.
4. You can go faster if you put your head down and hum out your bubbles. You can bob your head up and down, humming out then opening your mouth and breathing in.
5. You are treading water when you stay up in one place with your head above the water. Relax, move your hands like dog paddle in front of you or out to the side, and kick underneath you. Using a whip kick, scissors kick, or egg-beater kick is more relaxing than the flutter kick.
Arms and legs wiggle, waggle
While you stay up and paddle, paddle!
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone more passionate about swimming than Joan and Peter Leonard, who’ve spent most of their lives teaching others how to swim – especially children.
This activity-filled guide includes original pictures of Leo the Sea Lion and his friends that can be colored as skills are mastered. Other activities and resources include:
• seven essential swimming skills and emphasis on safety, fun, and fitness;
• how-to descriptions of all strokes, numerous skills, and many water games;
• rhymes accompanying pictures;
• progress sheets to track accomplishments;
• diary to record swimming thoughts and memories;
• access to online video
Whether you’re a parent with youngsters, an adolescent seeking to improve skills and learn new ones, or an adult who never learned how to swim, this guide will help you or loved ones progress while being safe, having fun, and being active in the process.
With the right attitude and practice, anyone can move forward and say with confidence, joy, and love of the water – “I’d rather be swimming!”
About the Author
Joan and Peter Leonard hold numerous swimming certifications and have spent many years teaching students how to swim. They reside in St. Charles, Illinois.
Illustrations are by Beverly Martin Mason and the Leonards.