Notes for adults

Age 2 · 8 min · Easy

Scoop colorful sponges from water and put each one in a matching container. Explore colors and movements through water play.

Learning objectives

• Scoop a sponge out of the water with a ladle or with help.
• Place a sponge in a matching colored container, with support if needed.
• Point to a color or name it during play.

What you need

• A wide, shallow basin with a little water
• Two whole, clean bath sponges, each a different color and too large to fit in a child's mouth
• Two large containers, one matching each sponge color
• A wide ladle
• A towel to place under the basin
• The printed picture sheet

Safety notes

An adult must supervise closely throughout play. Never leave a child alone near water, even a small amount; empty the basin as soon as you finish. Do not use pom-poms or small objects, as they are choking hazards. Use only whole, clean sponges that are too large to fit in the child's mouth and do not shed pieces. Stop if your child tries to put a sponge in their mouth. Dry spills to prevent slips.

How to do it

1. Spread the towel on a sturdy surface and place the basin with a little water on top.
2. Put the two sponges in the water and set the containers beside the basin.
3. Show your child the picture sheet and name the basin, ladle, and container.
4. Scoop up a sponge and place it in the matching container, saying the color's name.
5. Invite your child to scoop up the other sponge and choose a container. Help if they want you to.
6. Return the sponges to the water and play again while your child is interested.
7. When you finish, empty the basin, dry the materials, and put them away together.

Teaching suggestions

• Use short phrases, such as “You picked up the blue sponge!”
• If the ladle is tricky to use, let your child pick up the sponge with their hands.
• Point to the sponge and both containers, giving your child time to choose.
• Celebrate the effort: “You put the sponge in the container!”

Variations

• Make it easier: Offer one sponge and its matching container at a time. Your child can use their hands.
• Add a challenge: Keep both containers close by, but move them a little farther from the basin so your child can carry the sponge in the ladle.
• Keep playing: After fishing, look together for large objects in the same colors around your home or classroom.

Talk about it

• Which sponge would you like to scoop up?
• What happens when you put the ladle in the water?
• Where can we put this sponge?
• How does the sponge feel when it comes out of the water?

What to look for

• Notice whether your child scoops a sponge out of the water with the ladle or with help.
• Watch whether they choose a matching colored container, with or without support.
• Notice whether they point to a color or try to name it.