Your Child Will Learn
Exploring the characteristics of water
Here’s What to Do
- While the tub is filling, gather plastic cups, bowls and containers in different sizes. Poke holes in the bottom of a few so water can trickle through (or use something like a pasta strainer or steamer basket from the kitchen).
- Once your baby is in the bath, show them how to fill and pour from the containers. Encourage them to splash the water and feel the water coming out of the spout and containers.
- Describe what your baby is doing with the containers and how the water is moving.
- Ask and answer your own questions, and don’t forget to respond to any babbles your baby makes as part of the conversation!
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Look in your baby’s eyes and say “Splish splash, it’s time for bath!”
ENGAGE
- “Can you pour the water out of the cup?”
- “What’s going on with this container? Oh look, it has holes in it. That’s why it’s raining water!”
ENCOURAGE
- Your baby may not be able to pour by themselves. You can pour into a container they’re holding instead, or guide their hands to show them how to dump the water.
- Follow your baby’s interests. If they like water being poured on their body, holding a certain container, or trying to “catch” the water, repeat!
REFLECT
- Talk about what you noticed during your baby’s bath: “You didn’t like it when your face was splashed, but you loved when you poured water on your tummy!”
Not Quite Ready
If your child isn’t ready to hold containers, you can show them how you like to pour and play with water.
Ready for More
Encourage your child to use their hands and cups to scoop and pour water independently.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be curious to discover more about how water works and will imitate how you play with water.
Time to Complete
15 minutes
Materials Needed
Plastic containers, cups, and bowls of various sizes, including some with holes in the bottom.