This time of year as a parenting coach I often get emails from my clients asking for ideas for activities they can do with their children while enjoying the summer weather. That’s just one reason I’m a big fan of getting your child to play with water and a sponge.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you can do this one outside maybe as you splash around to beat the heat, but it works great indoors too, no matter the weather.

Ask your child to transfer water from one container to another using a sponge. This is ideal for a two or a two-and-a-half-year-old, possibly earlier, and they will love the stimulation they get from feeling the water trickle down their hands as well as from visually watching it move from place to place.

This is a great way for your child to practice their dexterity and gross motor skills, as well as learn about the properties of water in the process. They will intuitively begin to grasp the concept of absorption as they work with the sponge. Who knew that liquid could be moved like this?

The hidden lesson within this playful activity is that of how to clean up after a spill. Your child is developing a foundation of working with a sponge for when real messes may occur, further down the road. 

P.S. Would you like my support and guidance setting-up your Montessori home? If, yes then go ahead and schedule a ‘Discovery Session’ with me. It’s free and you’ll know if we are a good fit. 😉

*The appropriate age will depend on the child’s individual development and abilities as well as interest. These are all approximate ages; it is essential to follow your child’s needs by learning to observe them.

For more tips on how to introduce Montessori activities, read The Nine Key Points to Sharing a New Activity with Your Child.