Toy Wash Station Narration
Set up a simple toy washing station and narrate every step — scrub, rinse, dry — turning water play into a vocabulary-rich language experience.
What You'll Need
- 1Shallow bin or bowl
- 2Warm water
- 3Small squirt of dish soap
- 4Small brush or sponge
- 5Towel
- 65-6 washable toys
What You'll Need
A shallow bin or large bowl
Warm water and a tiny squirt of dish soap
A small brush or sponge
A towel for drying
5-6 washable toys (plastic animals, toy cars, rubber ducks)
How to Play
Fill a shallow bin with warm water and a tiny squirt of soap.
Set out a towel, brush or sponge, and 5-6 washable toys.
Invite toddler: "Your toys are dirty! Let's give them a bath!"
Model narrating: "Pick up the cow. Dip in the water. Splash!"
Show scrubbing: "Scrub, scrub, scrub! Making the cow clean."
Narrate rinsing: "Rinse the cow. Pour water over it. Drip, drip, drip!"
Dry together: "Wipe with the towel. Pat, pat, pat. All dry!"
Repeat with each toy, using the same action words for repetition.
Tips
Water play is inherently motivating for toddlers, which makes it the perfect vehicle for language. They're so engaged with the splashing and scrubbing that they absorb vocabulary almost effortlessly.
Use the three-step pattern for each toy: scrub, rinse, dry. Predictable sequences help toddlers anticipate and eventually narrate the steps themselves.
Add descriptive words: "The water is warm. The sponge is squishy. The duck is slippery!" The more sensory words you use, the richer their vocabulary becomes.
Lay towels under the bin and dress toddler in a smock or old shirt. Expect splashing — it's part of the joy.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: shallow bin or bowl, warm water, small squirt of dish soap, small brush or sponge, towel, and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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