Water play nature hunt with a three year old

Water play is always a hit with my nephew Wy.

I bought these little squirt bottles at the dollar store and pulled them out for Wy to play with.

Wy and I played a game with the water bottles as we took a little nature walk around the yard. Each time Wy would find something laying on the ground and squirt it, I would call out the name of the object.

The Goal of this Activity

The goal for me was to help Wy continue to build his vocabulary and reinforce the pronunciation of those words in a simple, fun way. The goal for Wy was to spray water on as many things as he could find.

Modifying the Game

After awhile, I modified the game and began to call out the name of an object for Wy to find, kind of like an “I  Spy” scavenger hunt. I would ask Wy, “Can you squirt the tree?”and Wy would run over and spray water on the tree.

Wy sprayed bushes, rocks, leaves, flowers, grass, my car, and eventually sprayed me too.

Wy’s favorite thing to squirt were the leaves on the driveway which also helps to build eye-hand coordination skills as well as strengthen his fine motor skills.

This was a great outdoor activity that invites play and at the same time, naturally promotes all kinds of development and learning.

Here are some other fun ideas for going on a nature walk…

A Nature Walk from Creative Connections for Kids

Nature Scavenger Hunt from Sun Scholars

Six Ideas for Exploring Nature with Kids from Not Just Cute

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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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