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    Homework Suggestions

    Each ribbon level focuses on specific areas for development and achievement. Here are some homework suggestions to help your child develop and advance through each level:

    RAINBOW
    Play with sponges, buckets or watering cans in the bathtub, start getting used to the feeling of water on the head, neck shoulders and face. Practice "Balloon Faces"---not blowing bubbles! First make Balloon Faces above the water, and then practice placing the chin in the water, the mouth, nose and eventually eyes. Another great way to get used to water on their faces is to place toys at the bottom of the shower. Read Irene Kolbisen's "Wiggle-Butts and Up-Faces" book together.

    GREEN
    Practice long Balloon Faces in the bathtub to songs or counting. Do paddle arms in front of the mirror. From a floor tummy position, do small, long leg kicks for 5-10 seconds and rest. This is excellent for strengthening the torso…parents can benefit also!

    BLUE
    From a 1-2-3 Balloon Face in the tub, lift chin way up for a blow (exhale), inhale then Balloon face back in the water for another count of three. Build up to five "Up-Faces" in a row. Mini push-ups from a knee position on all fours. Do four raises and lower the torso, rest and repeat. This strengthens arms for climbing out of the pool.

    RED
    Lying down in the tub, look up at mirrors or toys—make sure the ears are in the water. On the floor, place a small pillow or rolled up towel under the small of the back. Have the child lift his/her back up off the object by arching the back. This helps get the tummy up by strengthening back muscles.
    Practice rolling over on the floor from front to back, and back to front with arms stretched overhead. This makes children use their stomach and back muscles to roll rather than their arms and legs.
    Practice hopping straight up and down, one jump at a time holding their arms above their head in "Pencil Arm" position. For more advanced homework, practice jumping down steps, one at a time (with parent supervision). This will help overcome the fear of falling.

    WHITE
    Perform simple somersaults on the floor, keeping the chin tucked in. Practice "Mule Kicks" by placing hands on the floor and kicking the feet up in the air, one at a time. This helps strengthen arms and lessen the fear of falling.
    In the tub, have your child practice holding his/her breath while you count. This helps build lung capacity. In the car, have your child practice holding their breath going through tunnels or at red lights. Emphasize how much easier it is when they relax!

    PURPLE
    In front of a mirror, have your child watch themselves do Big Arms forward (hands touching at the top) and then backstroke "windmill" arms (arms stay opposite one another). Make a game of it, changing directions on your command!

    ORANGE
    Lying sideways on the floor, have your child practice "Scissor Kicks". Have your child watch their legs open and close. Standing with one hand on a wall, have your child practice "Frog Kicks" one leg at a time, catching their foot at their bottom and making their toes flex outward.

    GOLD
    To strengthen shoulders and back for butterfly arms, lay down on the tummy and reach arms straight forward with the backs of hands touching. Lift arms up about 1-2 inches off the ground. Move the arms down towards the hips and back up quickly (palms facing the feet). Do this 5-10 time fast, rest and repeat.

    KICKING
    To strengthen back and tummy muscles and improve kicks, try the following exercises:
    Lay flat with back on the floor; lift legs an inch or two off the ground and point toes. Count kicks 1,2,3,4,5 and rest. Repeat… Roll over on tummy and lift the legs and inch or two off the ground (Note: This is much more difficult than the previous exercise). Count kicks 1,2,3,4,5 and rest. Repeat.