​​​​​​​​​​​​​Materials: Optional: funnels, strainers, squirt bottles, cups, spoons, old pump soap bottles, and food coloring.

STEP 1

Tell your child that you are going to be playing with water today! Use a plastic container of water, a bathtub or sink filled with some water, or an outdoor baby pool for this activity.

STEP 2

Show them a bottle of food coloring. Ask your child what they think will happen if you add a drop. Then, explore the changes in the water.

STEP 3

Pour and scoop the water while filling containers and explore words like more, less, full, and empty.

MAKE IT EASIER:

Leave the food coloring out and explore measurement.

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

  • Consider using different cups or other objects and fill them with different amounts of water. Tap them with a spoon or other object to make different types of music.
  • Splash in a puddle or talk about splashing in a puddle. Ask your child what they think would happen and why the water flies in the air.

WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Your child is learning measurement, making predictions, and expanding their thinking skills while playing with water.

WHY?

Through this type of play, children build on their knowledge of the scientific process and nature and develop an appreciation of the arts.​

child playing with different colored waters