Warm weather affords many opportunities for outdoor water play activities. In addition to running through sprinklers, swimming and playing with squirt guns, children can benefit from cooperative play by running a "car wash." Using sponges and shallow dishes of soapy water, children can wash their riding cars, tricycles and wagons. They can explore bubbles by mixing a solution of 1 cup water, 1/3 cup dish soap 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup and using different kitchen utensils and common recyclables (such as plastic berry containers) as bubble wands. Children can also paint murals using spray bottles and mixtures of watercolor paints and water.
Using store-bought or homemade tubs ---dish pans, new cat litter boxes, plastic baby baths or blow-up wading pools --- preschool teachers can create indoor water play areas to use during inclement and cold weather. Make sure to place these tables at the children's height and atop of mats to absorb water overflow; using mops and towels, children can also help with spill cleanups. Fill these tubs with water and sensory materials such as plastic toys, funnels, strainers, scoops, pitchers and measuring cups and spoons.
Water play provides many opportunities for children to learn math and science concepts such as experimentation, gravity, physics and engineering. Children can learn about dissolving when watching sugar cubes disappear; they can discern the differences in temperature when placing their warm hands in cool water; they can observe toys floating; and by filling buckets, they can experience concepts such as empty and full and light and heavy. Teachers can help children develop vocabulary by saying aloud what the children are doing and having them repeat and use these words as they play with each other.
When properly supervised, water play is a fun and engaging activity. State licensing typically requires that adult child care providers be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and water safety. Keep the water areas clean and sanitary and change the water often. To prevent slipping, keep the floors dry. Also ensure that the toys used are large enough to prevent choking hazards. When playing outdoors, apply and reapply sunscreen liberally.
Water play sensory activities provide preschool-age children the benefits of physical and emotional/social growth: These fun and stimulating activities develop observation and gross motor and hand-eye coordination skills. By playing with each other, children gain social benefits through imitation and using their imagination and creativity to solve problems and craft dramatic stories.