Water Play
Here's What To Do
1
Fill the bathtub or set up a kiddie pool or plastic bin outside. Provide some water toys. Some household objects that are great water toys:
- Cups, funnel, colander, small watering can, squeeze bottles
- Sponges, washcloth
- Plastic toys and dolls
2
Let me explore how the water interacts with the various toys. Help me figure out unfamiliar items like a squeeze bottle or funnel.
3
(Optional) Let me add ice cubes into the water and see what happens to them.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile at me and encourage me to make small splashes in the water.
E
Engage:
- "What do you think this does?"
- Describe my play, like: "Oooh, you poured the water from the small cup into the big cup!"
E
Encourage:
- Try giving me hints that allow me to figure things out on my own, like: "What happens if you squeeze the sponge?
- If possible, allow me to splash and make a wet mess. This is all part of me exploring all the things water can do.
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to be enjoying water play? What are other times/places we might be able to incorporate water play into our routine?
Not quite ready?
Demonstrate how all the bath toys work, and talk about what you're doing as you play.
Ready for more?
Ask me to describe how the water moves when I'm playing.
As your child masters this skill...
They begin to understand properties of water and ice.