by Alix Tonsgard
The water tables are always busy here at the Museum because children are naturally drawn to water. Maybe it’s the way light reflects off the surface, the way that it seems to mysteriously move, or the innate desire to answer the question, “what will happen if I…” that ignites a child’s curiosity about water.
By jumping in a puddle or splashing in the sink, your child is working to actively construct an understanding of the properties of water and so much more. Water play promotes problem-solving and thinking skills in general, but also presents open-ended opportunities to experiment with math and science concepts, strengthen physical skills, advance social and emotional skills, and enhance language development.
Here’s a little peak into the learning and development going on in the water table and some ways to extend this learning at home.
Math
A few concepts that can be explored through water play include – empty/full, many/few, thick/thin, more/less, heavy/light, shallow/deep.
Science
Scientific thinking – Water play naturally lends itself to curiosity, experimentation, and asking questions, all of which are important in both inductive and deductive thinking. Through their active explorations children can develop an understanding of buoyancy, force, energy, properties of liquids, and more!
Physical Development
Water play is a great way to exercise fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, both of which are important in learning to write. Wringing out sponges, exploring squeeze bottles, manipulating medicine droppers, and pouring water from one container into another, are all examples of activities that strengthen physical skills.
Water Play at Home
You can make your own water table with a plastic storage bin. Here are some items you might consider letting your child explore – pots, measuring cups, basters, sponges, funnels, and brushes.
For more ways to engage children in Water Play, visit my blog at dupagechildrens.org/blog.
Alix Tonsgard is an early learning specialist at the DuPage Children’s Museum.
