Water Play

Physical development is one of the primary areas of growth in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Water play can be a great tool for encouraging development in both gross and fine motor skills, as well as being so much fun!

Encouraging open-ended play, our water play toys and stations allow you to develop games for further challenges. For example, you could encourage children to fill buckets and pour from one to another – a challenge for gross motor skills – or introduce some concepts from maths and physics, by providing measuring cups and jugs, objects which float and sink, or adding ice cubes to their play (you can even freeze toys into the ice, to make for exciting explorations as the cubes thaw)!

Playing with water is naturally challenging as children cope with the weight and resistance water provides, so helps to build muscle tone and therefore dexterity. It also encourages a longer concentration span and provides a calming and relaxing environment, as children can use water play as a tranquil, repetitive activity (such as scooping and pouring).