Puddle Boat Race

What you need

• a large basin or tub of water
• a few plastic containers
• a jug or watering can
• a towel

How to do it

1. Fill a basin with a little water outside or on a towel indoors.
2. Float small plastic containers as 'boats' and let them bob about.
3. Take turns pouring water in with a jug to make waves.
4. Race the boats from one side to the other and cheer them on.

Why it matters

Pouring, floating and racing gives little arms steady practice at controlling water while building excitement about cause and effect.

What they're learning

pouring control

Steadying a jug to fill the basin builds the wrist control needed later for pouring drinks and using cutlery.

cause and effect

Watching a boat move when pushed or splashed helps them link their actions to what happens next, a building block for early science thinking.

turn taking

Waiting for their boat's turn in the race is early practice for sharing and patience in group play.

What to look for

Notice them pushing the boat and watching intently to see where it drifts.

A tip

Do this on a towel or outside on the grass so spills don't matter, and keep the water shallow.

More like this

Leaf Toss Basket from 18 months · 5-10 min Wall Push Plank from 16 months · 5-10 min Hello, Park! Bye, Park! from 14 months · 5 min Tiptoe And Stomp from 16 months · 5 min