The temperatures are rising, we are seeing more sunshine and the children in Afterschool 1 have been engaging in more active play with the opportunity to do so on the playground or on the black top area, which is a favourite.
The educator’s observations and through conversations with the children, water play was added to the outdoor playground experience. There was cheering as the children saw the educators ring out the bins and water. “can we add some soap to it?” Moyosola asked. Her request was applied and the children quickly began mixing the water to increase the amount of bubbles in their bin. “look how many bubbles there are here,” Rosa shared with her peers.
As the children explored the water, the began finding the challenge of space, as many wanted to explore. “You can stand beside me,” Eshaani said to Lily, who joined in where she was. Lily began observing the water go through the funnel, “It goes fast,” she expressed. Theodore was inviting peers to join the play, but if they notice it was a bit busy, he suggested, “It’s okay, we can share here.” He helped peers problem solve and was inclusive to their desire of play. The children enjoyed to waster play so much, they asked if we could have it again.
The following day, their anticipation for waterplay was apparent through their questions. As we prepared the area to play, imaginative ideas began to flow. “I’m making some juice,” Noel said. “I’m going to make a potion. Janeth, you can drink it when I’m done,” said Rosa. “I’m making a potion too,” Gavin added. Rosa then offered her potion to Janeth. “what will this potion do Rosa?” She smiled and said, “Just drink it and you will see.” Janeth pretended to drink it. “Now it turned you into a frog.” We all laughed as Janeth said “Oh no.” “Here drink this one, it will turn you into a lion,” said Julian. Janeth pretended to drink and roared like a Lion, as the children giggled.
Noel came along and said, “Janeth, Zachy likes the water, can I bring him here?” “Of course,” Janeth replied. We brought Zachary over to see the water bins and his smile said it all. He began feeling the water. As peers would pour water into the funnel, Zach would smile, watching it come out from the bottom.
Water play in group settings bring many learning benefits: through manipulating the materials used, they are enhancing fine motor skills, hand eye-coordination which is important for the development of writing and drawing skills, strengthening muscles and their movements. The tactile feel of water provides calming, grounding sensory input that helps regulate emotions, release energy, and improve concentration. There is language development involved, as they share ideas and discuss their findings, allowing them an opportunity to practice more descriptive words. Social interactions are also key inn water exploration, as they problem solve, engage in conversations and practice sharing items.
We are ending our school year, with engaging water play. We wonder what other water experiences we will engage in throughout the summer, and what learning we will have doing so. We look forward to hearing the amazing stories in September, and wish all our afterschool children a safe and enjoyable summer.
