Ideas for Water Play

• Two and three year olds will enjoy indoor and outdoor water play. Place waterproof aprons or an old rain poncho over clothing. Fill plastic dishpans with two or three inches of water. Add a drop of dishwashing liquid to the water. Provide the children with plastic cups and plates. Give them clean sponges to use as they wash the dishes.
• Fill a clean bathtub for infants with a few inches of water. Gather plastic dolls. Let the children pretend to bathe the dolls.
• Add a few ice cubes to the water table. Show the children how ice melts. Ask the children if the water feels hot or cold.
• Provide plastic funnels for water play. Show the children how to scoop and pour water through the funnels.

Appropriate Water Toys

Children will enjoy using an assortment of toys during water play.

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic bowls, plates, and cups
• Funnels
• Clean and empty bottles
• Plastic ocean animals

What Does the Child Learn?

Language Development

• how the water feels.
• colors, sizes, and shapes.
• the names of animals and toys.