Water

Carolyn Hewitson

• Publisher: David Fulton Publishers
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9781843123446
• eBook ISBN: 9781135056537
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

This exciting topic-based series offers early years practitioners collections of activities based on familiar themes. The activities can be easily implemented and readily incorporated into curriculum planning through links made to the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Each book includes:

• activities that can be used on their own or as part of a themed program
• ideas for enjoying an all round curriculum approach
• guidance on expanding existing ideas and resources
• linked ideas to be carried out at home.

The activities in Water provide a good foundation for science awareness. The theme is popular with boys and girls and is particularly good for motivation. Because of the no-fail activities, it's particularly useful for SEN teaching.

Characteristics of water

Children will already have had many experiences finding out about and experimenting with water. They have had showers and baths, played with, paddled in, poured and drunk water. Water surprises, excites and absorbs children. Setting up a water play area will give them further opportunities for tactile experiences from which a range of skills and concepts may be developed. Water play is a source of much pleasure, which encourages sustained concentration.

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Exploring water through play Playing with, exploring and experimenting with water. Setting up an appropriate water play area or adding to an existing area. Encouraging ‘finding out about water’ through play and discussion.

Links to the Foundation Stage Curriculum

MD	Order … by capacity (SS)
KUW	Investigate objects and materials by using all of their senses as appropriate
PD	Handle tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control

Adult:child ratio as seems appropriate, but make time for one-to-one discussion and interaction

Resources

A water tray and stand.

Resources for filling and emptying the water tray easily.

A variety of plastic containers (e.g. jugs, beakers, cups, funnels, sieves, tubes, watering cans, yogurt pots, bottle caps, bottles, corks, spray bottles if suitable); this basic collection may be added to when appropriate and necessary.

Plastic aprons for protection and suitable flooring.

Somewhere to dry aprons and equipment.

Preparation

Most settings have a water play area that is not always available or just as a treat. Try to make it available as often as possible and to keep the equipment clean and in good order. Children can help with this.

You and the children may need to...

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• 1 Characteristics of water
• 2 Water and the weather
• 3 Water for life
• 4 Water all around us
• 5 Water technology
• 6 Water in art, music, literature, myth and festivals