Ring-a-roses

Physical: Coordinated movement through water, breathing control
Cognitive: Rhythm and sequencing, listening to cues
Social: Group play

4 or more

none

Ring-a-roses is a classic group activity where swimmers move in a circle clockwise or counterclockwise, while singing the nursery rhyme. Movement can include swimming, kicking, or other aquatic actions (e.g., skipping, hopping, blowing bubbles) depending on ability and comfort. At the end of the rhyme, swimmers may perform a designated action such as blowing bubbles, ducking under the water briefly, or stopping and balancing in place.

Yes

Adaptations for Wheelchair Users:

• Seated circle formation in shallow water with supported upright posture

• Supported bubble-blowing practice at pool edge

• Seated rhythmic arm movements to match song timing

• Assisted brief submersion with immediate supported resurfacing

Change the equipment:

• Use shallow water where swimmers can stand

• Smaller circle to reduce travel distance

• Instructor positioned within circle for support

Change the task:

• Walk or march instead of swim

• Kick in place while holding hands or wall

• Blow bubbles with only mouth in water

Change the equipment:

• Move to deeper water

• Increase circle size

• Remove wall access

Change the task:

• Continuous kicking while moving around circle

• Full face submersion at end of rhyme

• Hold submersion for 3–5 seconds

• I will blow bubbles at the end of the song.

• I will follow the group and change direction when asked.