So this is one of those activities where I wasn’t really sure how J would play with it. I set it up and just watched to see what he would do.
It turned out to be quite fun…and we both got pretty wet!
All I did was fill up some empty bottles (soda bottles, and creamer bottles) with water and a few drops of food coloring. I made 6 different colors for him to mix and play with.
I placed them next to a bunch of containers so he could have a place to mix. I later added a spoon, whisk, and a cup with a spout.
Like I said, I didn’t have an agenda and really I had no idea what he would do with them. I just set it up and let him go.
And go he did!
He opened, poured, and mixed all the colors. And ended up with some interesting colors. Let’s just call them “preschool brown”. (If you’re a preschool teacher, than you totally know what color I’m talking about!). Not quite the pretty colors I was hoping for…oh well.
J continued to mix, pour, and fill containers with water. I even turned on the tap outside so he could fill up containers with water…over, and over, and over again!
Somehow the play turned into this!
He ended up stripped down to his diaper and completely soaked. This boy loves water play!
I actually got a pic of him getting splashed with water! Ha! Love it!It’s amazing how a simple little activity can turn into such a big mess! But, it was a fun mess!
Things that were learned and practiced today:
- He practiced large motor skills through all the lifting and pouring of water and carrying water in very full containers.
- He practiced fine motor skills by unscrewing and lifting the lids on and off bottles.
- He learned a lot about science through the mixing of colors, and all about what happens when we splash, pour, mix, throw water.
- He practiced his color identification.
- He heard and practiced saying lots of words like wet, water, pour, mix, throw, cold, etc.
J is 23 months old, but this game is perfect for any aged child. Who wouldn’t love mixing colors…and getting soaked in the process?
This is so AWESOME! Luv Luv Luv it! You got some great pix too girlie 😉 Nice job!
You’re sweet! The compliment about the pictures means so much coming from you. I’m still very much a novice photographer!
Love this idea! (And obviously, your son did too.) 🙂 How did the food coloring do on the patio? Is it so watered down that it’s not a problem with staining?
He did love it! The food coloring was so watered down that it did not stain the patio or our skin. I only used about 3 drops in each bottle.
this is brilliant – and very familiar, Goblin always ends up stripped down to his nappy splashing around like crazy if we do anything water based.
It’s pretty much guarenteed that we are both going to get soaked anytime he plays with water. I’m always prepared with lots of towels on hand. There is just something about kids and water!
Super fun and simple activity! I love it!
Super fun!! A perfect toddler/preschool activity!!
Oh how fun! Your activities always turn out so well. K looked like he was totally into it. I need to start saving bottles to try this with my kiddos.
I wouldn’t say they always do! But this one went really well.
I forgot to add.. I love the splash picture. That is great.
My boys will love this. thanks for sharing.
I love how you connected what he learned through this fun activity.
I love when projects explode into something else. That kid interpretation is exactly what inspires me!
Me too! Children’s play is absolutly facinating to me…I love watching to see what they’ll come up with next!
Jaime bien l’idée good idées!
we did a water play party today and I am giving a link on my blog back to you for the great idea of adding color to the kids water. Thanks again for sharing:-)
This looks like a really fun way to explore color! It looks like he had a blast.
I would love for you to link up to my Outside Play: Water link up. http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2012/07/outside-play-water-old-macdonalds-beach.html