Check out these great ideas for waterplay! With the temps so hot, it is a fun way for the kids to COOL off!
Individual water tubs at a table make great activity centers. Begin with water only, then add playthings as children's interest wanes. Begin with spoons and shovels, then move on to sponges and measuring tools. Sand and shells are great for children to touch and explore.
Children will love to "paint" water on outdoor pavement with buckets and paint brushes. Older children may paint the letters of their names. Younger children will be content making back-and-forth strokes. Either way, a few minutes in sunlight, and watch it evaporate!
Squeeze bottles of water offer a variety of play opportunities, and help children develop eye-hand coordination. Children may look for the best way to squirt long or short distances. Or, they may create designs on the water's surface.
Assorted containers, funnels, and plastic tubes will help children learn to measure, and are key for the early development of math and science skills. Curiosity leads to experimentation: Which objects will float? Which ones hold the most liquid? Gradually, children build their vocabularies (empty/full, shallow/deep) and learn how to categorize.
*Take a portable BASKET BALL HOOP (outside of course!) and have the children toss water balloons through it! Throw from distances appropriate to children's age. Kids love throwing water balloons-period! Give them a target such as a tree or 'through the hoop'!
*Have a Toy Wash! Bring a large bucket out and fill it up with all of your plastic toys. Great way to stay cool and clean your toys.
Get out those plastic pools and get creative!
