How We Use Music & Rhymes in Swim Lessons

Introduction

At Penguin Swim School, we believe swimming is about more than just strokes and kicks. It’s about confidence, enjoyment, and creating a positive relationship with water from the very first splash. One of the most powerful ways we achieve this is by using music and rhymes in our swim lessons.

For children especially, learning through rhythm and song makes swimming less intimidating and much more enjoyable. It engages their imagination, builds confidence, and supports memory and coordination. But the benefits of music in swimming lessons go far beyond fun – it’s a scientifically proven teaching method that helps young swimmers develop faster and feel safer in the water.

In this blog, we’ll explore exactly how we use music and rhymes in our classes, the benefits for children and parents, and why our unique approach at Penguin Swim School makes such a difference.

Why Music & Rhymes Work in Swimming Lessons

Children naturally connect with music. From nursery rhymes to action songs, rhythm is often the first way they learn about the world. When applied to swimming lessons, music and rhymes:

• Build familiarity – songs children already know create comfort and reduce anxiety.

• Aid memory – rhythmic patterns help children remember instructions.

• Boost confidence – singing makes lessons playful, turning fear into fun.

• Encourage participation – group singing helps shy children join in.

• Support motor skills – rhymes with actions improve timing and coordination.

At Penguin Swim School, we combine traditional swimming techniques with fun, music-based methods to make every lesson exciting and memorable.

How We Use Music in Swim Classes

1. Welcome Songs

We begin many of our classes with a welcome song. This sets the tone, helps children feel included, and makes the transition into the water smoother. It creates routine, which is especially helpful for younger swimmers who thrive on familiarity.

2. Action Songs for Movement

Songs with actions – such as clapping, splashing, or kicking – are used to:

• Teach water movements in a playful way.

• Encourage children to move arms and legs without overthinking.

• Coordinate breathing and movement through rhythm.

For example, a simple “kick, kick, kick” chant helps toddlers practise kicking while holding onto the poolside.

3. Nursery Rhymes in the Water

Popular nursery rhymes like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “The Wheels on the Bus” are adapted into swimming games. These songs encourage group participation and build water confidence through repetition.

4. Floating and Relaxation Songs

Soft, gentle music is used during floating activities. Singing calming songs while children lie on their backs helps reduce fear, encourages relaxation, and teaches them to trust the water.

5. Transition Songs

Changing activities can be tricky for young children. Using short rhymes helps them shift smoothly from one skill to another. For example, a quick chant might signal moving from kicking practice to jumping in.

6. Goodbye Songs

Just as we start with music, we often end lessons with a goodbye song. This provides closure, creates positive associations, and gives children something familiar to look forward to each week.

Why Rhymes Are So Effective in Swim Lessons

Rhymes are more than catchy phrases – they are a structured way of learning that children easily grasp. Here’s why they work so well:

• Repetition builds memory – repeated rhymes help children remember safety rules and techniques.

• Rhythm creates timing – rhymes encourage correct breathing patterns and stroke rhythm.

• Engagement through fun – children enjoy rhymes, making learning feel like play.

• Inclusive teaching – rhymes are simple and can be learned by children of all ages and abilities.

At Penguin Swim School, rhymes are woven into lessons to teach, guide, and motivate swimmers in a way that feels natural and exciting.

Examples of Rhymes We Use in Lessons

Here are a few playful rhymes we adapt in our classes:

• “Kick, kick, kick your legs, gently in the pool.
  Splashing, splashing, splashing, learning is so cool!”

• “Blow, blow, blow the bubbles, take a breath and go!
  Underwater swimming strong, see how far you flow!”

• “Reach and pull, reach and pull, arms go one by one.
  Swimming strokes are easy now, look at all we’ve done!”

These fun rhymes turn technical instructions into simple songs that children remember and repeat long after class.

The Benefits for Children

By using music and rhymes in our swim lessons, children gain:

• Confidence – they associate swimming with fun, not fear.

• Faster learning – rhythm helps them master strokes and breathing patterns quickly.

• Better coordination – music synchronises movement and timing.

• Social skills – group singing helps children feel part of a team.

• Water safety awareness – rhymes remind children of important safety habits.

The Benefits for Parents

Parents love our music-based teaching too, because it:

• Makes lessons enjoyable for children, reducing resistance.

• Creates memorable routines parents can reinforce at home.

• Provides a gentle, stress-free introduction to water safety.

• Encourages bonding, as many songs involve parent participation in toddler classes.

How We Personalise Music for Different Ages

• Toddlers and preschoolers – focus on nursery rhymes, playful songs, and action-based music.

• School-age children – use rhymes to refine stroke technique and encourage stamina.

• Adults and nervous beginners – calming background music and breathing exercises to ease anxiety.

Our instructors adapt songs and rhymes to suit the age, ability, and confidence level of every learner.

Why Our Approach is Unique

At Penguin Swim School, our lessons are not one-size-fits-all. We:

• Combine traditional swimming techniques with creative musical activities.

• Ensure every session is a balance of learning, safety, and fun.

• Use music as a tool for inclusion, making lessons accessible for children with different learning styles or sensory needs.

FAQs

1. Do children really learn faster with music?

Yes. Studies show rhythm and song help children remember and repeat actions more effectively.

2. Will my child get distracted by singing instead of swimming?

No. The music and rhymes are carefully designed to support specific swimming skills, not replace them.

3. Is music used in every Penguin Swim School class?

Yes, though the type of music and rhymes vary depending on the child’s age and ability.

4. Can parents use these songs at home?

Absolutely. We encourage parents to sing along during bath time or water play, as it reinforces lessons and builds confidence.

Final Thoughts

At Penguin Swim School, we know that swimming lessons should be more than drills and technique – they should be an experience that children look forward to every week. By using music and rhymes, we make lessons fun, engaging, and memorable, while also teaching essential water skills and safety.

This approach not only helps children learn faster but also builds a lifelong love of swimming. Whether it’s a toddler blowing bubbles or a child floating calmly on their back, music helps turn every milestone into a celebration.

When learning feels like play, children are more confident, more engaged, and more successful – and that’s the Penguin Swim School way.