What area of development is water play?

Developing Motor Skills Physical Development is one of the three EYFS prime areas of development according to the framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Water play can encourage both gross and fine motor skill development and you can target specific developmental skill areas by offering different enhancements.

Why is water play important in early childhood?

Water play activities help to develop and strengthen children’s gross and fine motor skills. Children enhance their gross motor skills, coordination and physical fitness through lifting, pouring, carrying, running and splashing, while actions such as squeezing help to develop the small muscles in a child’s hands.

How does water play link to Eyfs?

Water Play provides hours of rich and valuable early childhood experiences to develop children’s creativity and imagination. It helps children develop eye-hand coordination and math and science concepts. It also enhances social skills and encourages cooperation.

What do we use water for Eyfs?

We need water to grow our plant-based foods and we need water to grow grass and other plants to feed the animals which we eat. Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water. Water by itself has no colour, no smell and no taste; consequently, it’s almost impossible to really dislike water.

What does water mean to early years?

What learning happens in water play?

Playing with water supports learning across all strands of Te Whāriki. In particular, it supports the Exploration strand, where children gain confidence in and control of their bodies, and where they learn strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning.

What is water used for ks1?

They use it for washing and cooking. They use it to irrigate crops and lawns, to clean streets, and to operate air-conditioning units and heating systems. They also use the power of flowing water to produce electricity.

How can I help water play?

8 ideas to extend development in your water play provision

Try new liquids, like shaving foam.
Let children go with the flow.
Build a water wall (or start with some guttering)
Try out sponges and cloths for fine motor control.
Model age-appropriate vocabulary.
Collect items from a walk and explore whether they float or sink.

What do children get from waterplay?

What can children learn from water play? Thoughtfully prepared, a water centre, whether indoors or out, can foster cognitive development, teach mathematics and science concepts, enhance physical skills, promote social learning and cooperative effort, and enrich language experiences.

How do you teach water to preschoolers?

There are lots of ways to encourage preschoolers to get involved in water science! Set up a water play station with cups, funnels, droppers, sponges, etc. Allow the children to grab toys or miscellaneous objects from around the room to see what sinks and what floats.