Water Play in Early Childhood

Teachers are often asked by parents why their children are “playing instead of learning” while in school. Parents may not realize that play and fun are essential components of brain and motor skills development, and so important in developing a love of learning and continued interest in school. Educational consultant and mentor, and Seedlings’ own Workshop director, Judy Cuthbertson is on a mission to help demystify play in the learning process and explain its importance to both educator and parent. Teachers: feel free to copy and paste the text below into communications home to parents of your students.

We know children love to play in water. Open a street hydrant and they come running. Puddles, sinks, bathtubs and pools provide endless hours of fun for children of all ages, but does all that fun actually lead to learning anything?

The answer is yes! Here are some ways that playing in water and exploring its properties are important, educational, and fun!

1. Developing fine and gross motor skills such as pouring, squirting, stirring and squeezing improve both fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. They also help children master the pincer grasp which is necessary for writing with a pencil. Using a pump to move water, or moving buckets of water on their own, helps to improve upper body strength, an important element of being able to use your arm and hand for writing.
   
   
2. Learning through the senses is the most natural way children explore the environment. We know that young children make meaning of their world through their senses, and exploring water is a great way to learn about temperature and texture (slippery, slimy).
   
   
3. Problem-solving skills are improved through water play. Observing how paper or pennies sink or float teaches children how and why things happen. They truly are scientists when they ask simple questions (“Will this paper boat sink when it’s filled with pebbles?”), and then experiment to find answers. Above all, playing in water allows them to use their imagination and think creatively about the world.
   
   
4. Language Development – Water play is a great way to improve oral language and vocabulary. Children naturally describe and label as they explore the properties of water. They engage in imaginative play with friends and caretakers as they become pirates with small boats or pretend to cook water cupcakes with spoons and beaters. These experiences give them the opportunity.
   
   
5. Science and Math – Water exploration can be the foundation for understanding a variety of scientific and mathematical concepts. It introduces children to terms, such as full, empty, half and less. Children can compare volume, observe the motion of water by adding objects, and predict what objects will either sink or float. Young children can also learn first-hand how living things all need water to exist. It’s all around us, and it’s fun to explore!
   
   
6. Social-emotional learning – Water play can be energizing and/or calming for children. For the youngest children, the repetitive act of pouring and scooping can help them better attend to one activity, and playing alongside of a friend or parent, encourages role-play, sharing and cooperation.