Imagination in action: how swimming teachers can use stories to spark learning
- Helen Hughes
- May 4
- 3 min read
Swimming lessons are often focused on technique, safety, and progression—but creativity is the magic that brings it all together. One of the most powerful ways to weave creativity into your teaching is by using stories.
Whether you're working with babies, preschoolers, or even older children who thrive on imagination, stories give you a way to structure lessons with emotional meaning, build engagement, and deepen learning. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can bring stories into your sessions—through books, poems, songs, and even made-up adventures.
Why use stories?
Children are natural storytellers and story-listeners. Narratives help them make sense of the world, understand emotions, and learn new skills. When swim lessons are wrapped in a story, the water becomes a world of wonder—not just a pool. From the shy swimmer who becomes a courageous explorer to the hyperactive child who focuses deeply to “help the dolphin find her way home,” stories offer purpose-driven play.
1. Use actual books as the foundation
Try reading a short picture book or retelling it at the start of your session. Books like We're Going on a Bear Hunt, The Rainbow Fish, or What the Ladybird heard are brilliant for introducing simple swim movements and themes.
Example: Read The Rainbow Fish, then swim through shimmering ‘currents’ (scarves), collect shiny scales (sinkers), and practice sharing (taking turns diving for objects).
💡 Pro Tip: Choose books with repetition or rhyme for easier recall in the water.
2. Create "A day in the life of..." sessions
These are ideal for inventing your own structured lessons with a simple story arc.
Examples:
A day in the life of a zookeeper (feeding animals = dive and retrieve, washing elephants = splash and kick)
A day in the life of an astronaut (rocket arms, weightless floating, space jumps)
A day in the life of a firefighter (rescue missions, hose kicks, climbing ladders)
These are fantastic because they:
Offer natural sequencing (morning–noon–night)
Can be adapted for solo or group activities
Encourage children to contribute and co-create the story
3. Add songs and rhymes to anchor the story
Songs add rhythm and routine—two things young swimmers love. You can create short verses to match your theme or rewrite existing nursery rhymes to fit your swimming objectives.
Example: To the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
"Kick, kick, kick your legs, make a giant splash! Glide like dolphins in the sea, swim off in a flash!"
Use these throughout your session to mark transitions or offer moments of calm.
4. Make up your own mini-stories
Children don’t mind if the story is made up on the spot—in fact, they often enjoy helping shape it! Think of three parts: a character, a challenge, and a happy ending.
Example:
Character: A shy sea unicorn
Challenge: Has lost her sparkle and needs help finding it
Ending: Finds her sparkle after completing 3 water tasks
This creates structure, engagement, and progress. Even better? It becomes a memorable experience that children talk about long after the lesson ends.
5. Use poems or short verses for older children
Don’t forget your confident swimmers! Even older children enjoy poetic themes, riddles, or short storytelling segments that match their skill level.
Example for breaststroke practice:
“The frog said, stretch, and glide with care, then snap your legs through water and air. Arms in a circle, head held high—now swim with grace, don’t rush, don’t try.”
This style adds imagination to drills without losing focus on form.
Storytelling is a gift—for you and your swimmers
When we teach through story, we offer more than swim skills. We offer:
A sense of adventure
An experience of connection
A way to explore emotions and effort safely
And best of all, you get to enjoy the creative process too.
Want help planning story-based lessons?
Inside the SWIM Squad Membership, you'll find:
Done-for-you story lesson plans
Printable storytelling planner templates
Matching poems, songs, and games
Creative seasonal themes to rotate all year
Start small. Start with just one story. And see how quickly your swimmers start believing in their own little water world.
The SWIM Squad membership is your all-in-one resource hub for fun, purposeful swimming activities, lesson inspiration, and exclusive support—perfect for swim teachers who want to level up their teaching every month.
Sign up today:
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