The Creative Nanny

Oh gosh, water. It can be friend or foe. In a contained environment, it can be a fun way to play and to learn. Water is best used as a sensory tool for younger kids.

One time I allowed my charges to put Play-doh in the water. It felt really weird and slimy. I just filled a tub with water, gave them some Play-doh. and they went to town. Also, some toys and paper towels also ended up in the mix somehow. They had so much fun, it lasted them 3 hours straight of playtime, only ended by lunchtime.

I wish I had thought this out better. They did it one the dining room table which resulted in doughy water all over the wood and on the floor. It would have been much more suitable for outside play. I guess I didn't realize to what extent this would actually go.

Water can be used for many things, though, really. It can be used much in the same way as rice play. Put marbles or favorite toys in the tub and let the child explore and see what they can do with what they have.