Are you looking for a fun way to keep your students engaged in writing during the summer months? Look no further! Today, I want to share my favorite swimming-themed summer writing prompts and crafts that perfectly combine creative expression with essential pool safety lessons. Whether your class is heading to a swimming pool for lessons or you simply want to bring a splash of summer excitement into the classroom, these activities are sure to make waves. Keep reading to discover how you can infuse the joys of swimming, swimming lessons, and writing crafts into your daily teaching routine.
Why Swimming is a Great Summer Writing Theme
When I plan summer writing units, I’m always on the lookout for engaging themes that resonate with my students. Swimming is one of those topics that instantly grabs their attention. After all, many children have fond memories of the pool and splashing around in water. Additionally, it’s the perfect opportunity to weave in valuable lessons about water and pool safety.
If you’re taking your class to swimming lessons, these prompts and crafts can easily be tied into students’ real-life experiences. They can reflect on their progress, discuss the rules they learn, and express their excitement about new swimming skills. Moreover, when you incorporate summer writing prompts about swimming, students are more motivated to write, which naturally boosts their literacy development. This resource is especially useful if you’re running a school swimming lesson program or if you’re homeschooling and want to create a fun, educational summer writing project.
Swimming Journal
One of my absolute favorite activities from this resource is the journal. Journaling is an excellent way to encourage reflection and help students track their swimming progress. Here’s how I like to use it:
- Daily Reflection: After each lesson, I have students write a few sentences about what they learned. They can mention a new stroke, a safety tip, or something they found challenging.
- Draw: Some students love adding a quick sketch of themselves at the swimming pool. I encourage them to name the equipment they used, like kickboards or pool noodles.
<<Grab these printable journals here.>>
These swimming journals foster a sense of accomplishment and serve as a keepsake students can look back on. Additionally, they’re a wonderful resource for highlighting each child’s achievements during parent-teacher conferences or homeschool evaluations.
Swimming Writing Prompts and Crafts
Next up are the writing prompts and crafts, which make writing even more exciting. I often notice that when children have the chance to cut, color, and assemble a craft, their enthusiasm for writing soars. This resource includes:
- Swimwear Writing Craft: This is perfect for list writing. Students can draw their swimsuits or swim trunks, listing the items they need for the pool. It’s a fun way to practice spelling and vocabulary.
<<Get these summer writing crafts here.>>
- Kickboard Writing and Craft: Here, students reflect on how they use a kickboard in the swimming pool. They can describe their technique and goals.
<<Find these writing prompts here.>>
- Backstroke Flags Writing Craft: I love using these for reflection writing after a swimming lesson. Students can jot down what they learned or how they felt during practice, then create colorful flags to decorate your classroom.
- Opinion Writing Craft: Students can use this template to state why they prefer to swim at the pool or beach.
<<Learn more about these opinion writing activities here.>>
- Swim Bag Writing Craft: Have your students write a detailed list of everything they need to bring for a day at the pool—sunscreen, goggles, a towel, and more!
<<Learn more about these writing activities here.>>
All these crafts reinforce key writing skills, while also teaching students about swimming essentials, water safety, and different strokes.
Bulletin Board and Word Wall
No summer-themed classroom or homeschool setup is complete without a bulletin board and word wall. You can display your students’ writing crafts alongside the bright bulletin board banner that reads “Swimming”. Additionally, the resource includes word wall cards (with American and Australian versions).
These tools are perfect for supporting emergent writers and English language learners who might need extra help with spelling. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce different regional terms for a swimsuit (like “bathing suit,” “togs,” or “cossies”). The photo cards included can also help spark new writing ideas by showcasing swimming pools, swim gear, and pool safety reminders.
<<Grab these bulletin board printables here.>>
Conclusion
In conclusion, swimming is the perfect summer topic to capture your students’ imagination while reinforcing essential writing skills. By using a dedicated swimming journal, engaging crafts, and a bright bulletin board display, you’ll be able to create a classroom (or homeschool) experience that truly dives into the fun of summer. If you’re ready to introduce these activities in your classroom, you can find all the prompts, crafts, and printables from my TPT store below. I hope your students make a big splash with these swimming-themed writing activities!
Happy teaching and happy swimming!
More Fun Summer Activities for Kids
You may also love these free summer activities, you can learn more about them here.
