Your child will explore the differences between wet and dry items.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Science
MATERIALS
- bowl or tub of water
- items to explore with water: paper towels, sponges, rags/fabric
LET'S PLAY
Show your child the dry items first and name each one of them. Let her feel them, and explain that these items are dry. Talk about each item using descriptive words, such as hard, rough, etc.
Then show her the bowl or tub of water and say, “When we put dry things into water, they become wet. They feel different after going into the water because they are wet.”
As you put the paper towel in the water, explain and describe what happens to it. Then take it out, squeeze out some water, and let her feel it while you describe that now it is wet. Repeat this with the sponge and rag. Afterward, let her explore with the materials in the water. As she plays, point out changes to the materials when wet, such as becoming heavier, dripping water, changing to a darker color, or making noise when squeezed.
TIPS
- You may want to do this activity outdoors as your child may get wet.
- Watch your child carefully to make sure she does not try to eat the paper towels, although tearing and crumpling them is okay. Also make sure your sponges and rags are large enough to prevent choking.
- You can talk with your child about her other experiences of wet and dry, such as rainy and sunny weather, wet and dry diapers, or pouring milk into a bowl of cereal.
- For an older toddler, help her explain to you how the items look or feel different after going into the water.