5 Water Play ideas that can help build nerve connections in the brain

1. Sensory Walk

Fill trays with different temperature water, some with foam, others with pebbles. Take your child close to the tray and have them observe for a few minutes. When they are ready, they will try to put their foot into the first tray. If they don't, you can gently lift their foot and do so (especially if they has never done something like this before). As your child puts their foot in the first tray, say "Can you feel that? It's warm". Let your child guide the way. As they step foot into the next tray, repeat, "Can you feel that? It's cold". Some children might not enjoy this and that's okay. Stop and try again tomorrow. They will soon learn to like it.

2. Alphabet Spat

On a large tray add an inch of water. Spread out a few letters of the alphabet on the tray. Give your child a fly swatter to hold. Call out a letter and encourage your child to splat the letter they hear on the tray. This activity requires your child to carefully listen to the letter you say and then splat the same letter on the tray. They must use their auditory skills to complete the task while they develop early literacy skills too!

             

3. Watercolor tie dye

Set up droppers filled with different colored water on a tray with a paper towel laid flat. Encourage your child to pick up the droppers one by one and drop the colored water on the paper towels, creating a beautiful tie-dye art piece. 

4. Secret picture revealed with dropper

Fold the paper towel in half. Draw and color a picture on the inside of the paper towel, the side which is facing up then close it. Use the dropper to drop water on the top of the blank part of the paper towel to reveal the hidden image.

5. Pom Pom squeeze

On a tray set up a few pom poms in a bowl and a large bowl of water. Also add an empty bowl on the tray as well. Invite your child to dunk one pom pom in the water and squeeze it in the empty bowl. This not only develops their fine motor skills and hand eye coordination but also teaches them transference.

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