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Your child will explore properties of water and absorption while using fine motor skills to transfer water from one bowl to another with a sponge.
Learning Area(s): Science; Physical Development
MATERIALS
- Two bowls of equal size
- Soft sponge
- Water
- Cookie sheet or plastic tray
- Towel
- Food dye (optional)
LET'S PLAY
Put a towel down in the play area or take the water play outside. Fill a bowl with warm water (adding food dye, if desired). A cookie sheet or plastic tray can also be used to catch any drips. Demonstrate to your toddler how to place the sponge in the full bowl and let it soak up the water. Next, squeeze the sponge over the empty bowl, transferring the water. Have your child try to continue transferring back and forth.
TIPS
- For smaller hands, you may want to cut sponges in half.
- Some children may be happy just to explore the sponge and water in one bowl, without the goal of transferring the water from one bowl to the other. After demonstrating some possible actions, let your child explore in the ways he or she chooses.
- Your child may also want to use the sponges for a washing project, such as wiping the table or tray with the sponge after messy play.
- Another similar activity would be to use a turkey baster, large pipette, or syringe (without needle) to transfer water.