We are yet to bring our children to their first fishing trip. If this play experience is anything to go by, I think they will be more determined than their mother to have some nice fish for dinner.

Materials

Large tub of water (we used our old baby bath)
Water beads
Small sieve with handle
Towels to line the immediate play area if playing indoors

How We Played

When water beads are placed in water they are very hard to see.

Swish, swish, swish. Time to scoop and catch some water beads.

Using a scoop is a fine motor skill that is easily incorporated into many types of daily play. It’s great for using both hands together; and building up the strength and stability of hands, fingers, shoulders, elbows and wrists.

Water beads are as slippery as fish and E managed to grab  some with his bare hands.

Now what does a tot do with something as squishy as water beads? Squish them of course.

 Yes, if this play experience is anything to go by, I think we’ll have some nice fish for dinner.

E: 1 year, 11 months
May 2012

The post Waterbead Fishing by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

An assortment of water beads were placed in clear trays.

Little clear containers / cups were also provided.

There was scooping and pouring of beads, but before I knew it, N&M ran off to get their favourite action figures to join in the fun.

It was gelatine warfare revisited. Unlike the gelatine used in gelatine warfare, the water beads though wet and ever so slightly slimy feeling, was not sticky so the clean up was much easier. Also, the water beads that weren’t crushed in the warfare are reusable. I think we have discovered a new favourite medium for messy play.

 Water beads did go flying as part of the play. A messy mat was most helpful (especially as we were playing on carpet).

Lesson learnt: water beads are eye candy for mummy blogs AND they are fun to play with.

N & M: 3 y.o.
E: 15 months

This post was shared in the following linky parties:

No Time for Flash Cards Link & Learn

It’s Playtime

The Nurture Store Play Academy

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