Today we welcome our newest contributor, Jodie of Growing Book by Book, with a fabulous idea for combining water play with the alphabet!
My 2 and 4 year-old boys love to play in the water. They are each at different stages of learning the alphabet and sounds so this alphabet water activity was a perfect match for both of them. We created an ABC Water Play Park for lots of fun alphabet play! The best part about this activity is that it uses materials you already have around the house. It’s quick to put together but provides hours of fun and learning.
You will need:
- Large shallow container
- Water
- Small magnetic letters
- Aluminium foil
- Paper towel roll
- Four bendable straws
- Corks
- Rubber bands
- toothpicks
- clothespin
- colored foam sheets
- small plastic toys or caps (optional)
To make:
Fill the container with 3-4 inches of water. We chose to do this activity inside using a large clear tub. You could also create the water park in the bathtub or in a sensory table outside.
Fill the container with the following props and add your letter magnets.
Bend the four straws and connect them to make a square. This will be the kiddie pool. You can also add a few plastic toys to the kiddie pool.
Cut small rectangles from the foam sheets to create rafts for the letters.
Place two corks next to each other and wrap with two rubber bands. Attach a triangle sail with a toothpick and you have another sailing device for your letter people.
To create the water slide, fold the aluminum foil into a long rectangle. Bend one end over the side of the container and let the other end hang into the water.
Attach a paper towel roll to a clothespin with tape or glue. Clip the tube to the side of the container. You now have a tunnel slide!
Ready to play:
Let the kids explore and have fun. I was amazed at the conversations I heard my boys having while they played. They acted out scenes from one of their favorite cartoons. Soon I was hearing these comments and questions.
“This is Ryder because his name starts with ‘R’.”
“What letter do I use for Chase’s name?” I got to do a short little lesson on “ch”.
“I’m zooming through the water to rescue you!” as he glided the “z” magnet through the water.
As you listen and observe, follow your child’s lead and look for opportunities to extend their knowledge of the alphabet and sounds.
You can also build fine motor skills by using the clothespin to “rescue” the letters.
How do you like to play with alphabet letters?
You might also like:
Jodie Rodriguez has a passion for helping caregivers nurture our youngest readers. As a former National Board Certified early-childhood, elementary teacher and administrator, she has worked with thousands of families and educators providing best literacy practices. She lives near St. Louis, Missouri and now stays home with home with her two young sons.
