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Simple is Enough
Friday, June 5, 2020
To echo the message Jess shared earlier about you and your
best (whatever that looks like right now!) being enough, I wanted to share a simple open-ended experience that is
easy to set up and can provide joy and engagement for children of different
ages. Simple is enough and your presence is enough!
As the weather warms I’ve been reminded of the power of a small
container of water and various items from the kitchen. My children have enjoyed
this in our backyard on many of the warmer, sunny days I so gratefully welcome!
If you don’t have an outside space (front steps, blanket on some grass,
balcony, deck etc.) lay a towel on a small table or floor area to offer this
invitation as well. You could even include a smaller washcloth next to the bin
to encourage children to help clean any water spills as they work...what an
opportunity to feel independent, proud and helpful!
  
- Use any small container such as a storage bin,
plastic bowl or casserole dish to hold the water and offer a variety of kitchen
items or tools to fill, pour with and explore. My children especially love
filling empty water and juice bottles!
- Small “interest items” could also be added in
the water to encourage collection, sorting or fine motor work. I sometimes add marbles,
lids or rocks to our bins outside. My 3 year old especially loves using a
kitchen scrubber to clean his collected rocks! Other items to add could
include: milk caps, pouch lids, old marker lids, corks, small pebbles or
stones, reusable ice cubes, pretend plastic characters or animals, or beads. If
you don’t have any items to add (or have an infant or toddler that still puts
small objects in their mouth) that’s ok! The water and containers alone provide
a rich invitation for exploration. As children play with and explore water they
have the
opportunity to meet learning goals related to science inquiry, math and
problem solving.
- Regardless of the items you have or don’t have
at home, your presence and interest in
their work is more than enough to make this experience meaningful! Simple
phrases and comments about children’s work can extend conversation and play,
develop divergent thinking skills, expand language and communication skills, and
increase their curiosity and wonder. You can even invite them to count,
measure, sort, identify colors, compare sizes and observe items that sink or
float. I’ve provided some easy examples below, but whatever comes to you as you watch and spend time with your child is enough. YOU
are the ingredient or material that means the most!
Language examples
to extend learning and thinking:
- “Tell me about your work.”
- “What do you notice about the water?”
- “I wonder what you made?”
- “You’re pouring from
that full bottle! How does it feel?”
- “You filled the whole bottle! I wonder how you did that?”
- “I would love to try some soup! What ingredients did you
add?”
- “How did you know it was finished cooking?”
- “What is your plan with that brush?”
- “You’re scooping water into that blue bowl.”
- “You are stirring with that spoon. I wonder what you’re
mixing?”
Kitchen and household items for water play?
- measuring cups
- small bowls and cups
- storage containers with lids
- pitchers
- empty water bottles, juice bottles or any other jars/containers that have been cleaned out
- spoons, formula scoops
- basters, old medicine droppers
- scrub brushes, sponges
- ice cube trays
- serving tongs
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Categories
General
06/05/2020 - Conversation Tips During Uncer
06/05/2020 - Simple is Enough
06/05/2020 - What’s Wrong with Telling a Ch
04/30/2020 - Importance of Play in Times of
04/10/2020 - Preschool Activities and Ideas
04/10/2020 - Engaging Your Infant or Toddle
03/19/2020 - Helping Infants and Toddlers
03/19/2020 - Helping Your Child
03/19/2020 - Helping Others Begins With Car
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08/12/2019 - Helping Children Process Traum
05/10/2019 - Experiencing Mr. Roger’s Neigh
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09/24/2018 - Relatives to the Rescue
09/10/2018 - Finding Peace
09/10/2018 - A Prescription for Play
08/17/2018 - Seeing the World through Our S
06/04/2018 - Have A Good Laugh!
04/23/2018 - My Experience as a NaviGo Scho
03/13/2018 - Positive Tools for Negative Be
02/12/2018 - Raising Resilient Children: Ge
02/05/2018 - Raising Resilient Children: Le
01/26/2018 - Expose the Brain to Good: Crea
08/23/2017 - Tips for Making Transitions Ea
05/22/2017 - Treasure House Outdoor Classro
05/12/2017 - MY HAND IN YOUR HAND: Songs fo
04/11/2017 - 13 Five Stars for Children, In
03/26/2017 - A Day in the Life of A Prescho
03/26/2017 - A Little Lesson on Finding Joy
11/22/2016 - Interested in a Career in Earl
07/28/2016 - Review of the 2016 Grandparent
06/24/2016 - Parenting Tip - Praise Effort
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