It is not necessary to buy special toys for water play. Here are some suggestions of everyday items which children enjoy playing with and which provide opportunities to explore the properties of water.

Things to Play with in Water

• collander
• strainer
• old teapot
• toy buckets
• jugs and containers
• sponge
• small watering can
• funnel
• whisk
• hollow ball
• plastic bottles

Discover Science

Floating and Sinking

Let your child experiment with diffferent objects to see which float or sink.

Here are some suggestions:
Ice cubes, spoons made of metal, plastic or wood, wooden bricks, smooth twigs, a cork, washed polystyrene food trays, a toy boat and paper cake cases.

Situations such as letting your child bath a doll can create opportunities to discuss caring for babies and the need for personal hygiene.

Another activity is washing and drying dolls' clothes. Not only do children enjoy the imaginative play, but they experience the science involved in cleaning and drying fabrics.

Ask your child to predict what will happen to the wet fabrics. Discussion can extend vocabulary and enhance your child's communication skills. The activities also help to develop manipulative skills.

Continued in Part 3 of Learning Through Sand and Water Play.
Back to Part 1.