Wash the Pumpkin

What you need

• a small pumpkin
• a tray
• a damp cloth and a dry cloth
• a small cup of water, for older toddlers

How to do it

1. Set the pumpkin on a tray on the floor and sit right beside it with your toddler.
2. Give them the damp cloth and show them a slow wipe over the pumpkin, saying "wash, wash, wash".
3. Let them wipe, pat and explore the bumps and the stalk in their own way.
4. Pat it with the dry cloth together and say "now it's clean!"

Why it matters

Wiping a big bumpy pumpkin is a calm, hands-on way to feel cool, smooth and ridged surfaces while they copy a real job they see you do.

What they're learning

Gentle wiping

Moving a cloth over a bumpy shape builds the wrist and arm movements they will use for washing hands and wiping a table.

Feeling textures

Smooth skin, ridges and a rough stalk give their fingers lots to tell apart.

Copying real jobs

Washing something clean the way you do makes them feel like a proper helper.

What to look for

Watch whether they wipe in big sweeps or pat and poke. Either is exploring. Stay right beside them whenever water is out, and keep wet floor patches mopped up. Check the stalk is firm and smooth first, and swap the cloth for a dry one if it ends up in their mouth.

A tip

Work on a tray with a dry cloth underneath so spills stay in one place.

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