Game Instructions: Speckled Frog - Swimming with Confidence

Game Instructions: Speckled Frog

Speckled Frog

A playful, confidence-building water game that encourages jumping, bubble-blowing, and safety awareness through a fun song and repetition!

Recommended for ages 6 months+

Game Overview

  • Best played with 1 or more children sitting or standing on the pool wall.
  • Great for swim lessons, family pool time, or group play.
  • Adaptable for a wide range of ages and skill levels.
  • Can be played in a shallow pool or with an adult assisting in deeper water.

How to Play

1. Get Ready to Jump

Have each child sit or stand on the edge of the pool in a frog-like position, ready to jump.

2. Sing the Song

Sing together:

“One little speckled frog
Sitting on a speckled log
Eating the most delicious bugs—YUM YUM!
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool...”

Have the kids say “YUM YUM!” loud and proud!

3. Jump and Swim!

Each child jumps in when it’s their turn. You can assist based on their age and comfort:

  • Ages 6–12 months: Gently guide them into the water during the song (no jumping). Avoid face wetting if needed. Practice a short back float, then return to the wall. Repeat 2–3 times.
  • Ages 12–24 months: Encourage them to jump forward (not straight down), catching them if needed. Allow face wetting based on their readiness. Add bubble blowing or light underwater exposure.
  • Ages 2+: Kids can jump in on their own! Remind them to hum to avoid getting water in their nose and encourage underwater movement. Practice floating, kicking, grabbing the wall, or climbing out after each jump.

4. Repeat with Each Child

Keep singing the song with the updated number of frogs until everyone has had a turn. ("Two little speckled frogs..." etc.)

 

Skill Focus

This game supports:

  • Jumping safety and awareness
  • Blowing bubbles (humming)
  • Going underwater
  • Wall grabs and climbing out
  • Floating and independent movement
  • Group participation and water play confidence

Teaching Tips

  • Encourage kids to hum while jumping to reduce water going up the nose.
  • Practice "Look before you leap!"—teach kids to check for others and make sure their adult is ready.
  • Avoid jumping onto stairs or shallow areas.
  • Turn each jump into a mini lesson: Can they swim back to the wall? Can they float after the jump?

Want more swim games and confidence-building tips?
Grab the full flashcard set or the complete Swim Lesson in a Box for structured, parent-led lessons that grow with your child.

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