Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Water Play Ideas

Summer is a great time for water play. While it's not always possible to get to a lake or a pool, there are still lots of ways you can use water play for learning.

If you're stuck inside on a rainy day, mix up a small amount of dishwashing detergent in a shallow basin. Make a lot of suds and then pour off the water so only the bubbles are left. Depending on your child's age and interests (she should be old enough to not eat the bubbles), she can stand on a chair at the sink (with supervision) and wash utensils, plastic plates, glasses, etc. Or she can sit on the floor and wash a doll or other water-safe toys.

If you can get outside, a small pail of water and a clean furniture paint brush are lots of fun to use to paint the side of the house or the sidewalk. You will probably need to refill the pail regularly.

If you have a hose, you can turn it on low and let your child fill buckets, water the lawn or anything else within reach.

Of course, water activities mean your child will likely get wet all over -- but that's part of the fun.

These activities are wonderful ways to build language skills by talking about the items being washed or making up a story about the doll taking a bath.

The paint brush and bucket are fun ways to build fine motor skills. Did you know that lines and circles are the building blocks for later writing skills?

Enjoy the summer with your children!

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