It is the start of summer here in Nashville and at McNeilly! Outside of the heat, the easiest way to know it is summer at preschool is 1. the smell of bug spray and sunscreen and 2. all the bright-colored clothes that start parading through the door! Is summer not the best time to be a child?
Summer can be hard to keep our little learners occupied; they have more energy, the days are longer, and it is hot! Water play is one of the best ways to keep cool. It is also a great way to incorporate sensory play, science, and fine motor skills during summer's more relaxed curriculum days.
Sponges are one of my favorite ways to beat the heat! Packs of sponges are incredibly cheap and versatile. You can use them to set up a toss game or even draw targets on the house and throw wet sponges at them! Sponges are also great for relay races. Try running with a sponge between your knees or on your head. Have you played “Pass the Sponge” with a group of kids? Have all the kids line up and lay down on their backs with their feet in the air. Put a wet sponge between the first child’s feet and show them how to pass the sponge to the next child using only their feet. Kids continue to pass the sponge along the line using their feet only – and they get really wet doing it!
Do you have some extra buckets or bins lying around? The easiest activity for your little one is water transferring! Have them practice walking, jumping, or hopping with a bucket of water to see if they can transfer it. This activity can be used to practice color mixing and more! Bonus? Children do not care what state water is in. If you have ice cubes, your little one can practice fine motor skills by using tongs to transfer!
"Paint” with water: Another idea involves using clean brushes and rollers, a bucket of water, and your driveway, fence, or balcony. Of course, there will probably be just as much water on them as on their “canvas,” and that is okay!
Toy washing! This one is so simple. Use the kitchen sink or some big storage tubs and set up a washing station.
With its new, irregular schedule, summer allows us to try new things and create new learning opportunities for our children! So, what is your favorite way to get creative with water?