Let’s Wash – 2.2 – Add A Little

Muscle Moving

Wall Wash

Large up and down arm motions strengthen core muscles that are a precursor to bring able to write well.

Supplies:

• Clean sponges – one per child and one for you. Alternatively, use a baby wipe or clean cloth.
  (Do not give your child a Magic Eraser sponge as these contain many chemicals that should not be consumed.)

Time to Play:

• Model how to pretend to clean the walls or an empty bookshelf using the clean sponge.
• Invite your child to join in. Be encouraging and thank your child for helping clean.
• (If using damp baby wipes, your child can truly help clean, but be sure they don’t try to clean surfaces that are sensitive to moisture.)

Brain Boosting

Dish Wash

Supplies:

• One tub such as a plastic 15L container. A large bowl could work, but might tip over.
• Water
• Several small containers (such as clean yogurt containers) or bath toys to wash
• A cloth or sponge to wash with
• A water friendly area (Consider using a bathtub or doing this activity outside. Alternatively, place a large towel beneath the tub of water to catch spills.)
• Optional: dish soap or bubble bath

Prep:

• Fill the tub with 3-5 inches (5-15 cm) of water.
• Optional: Add a drop of dish soap or bubble bath for added bubbly fun
• Place the cloth and containers in the tub
• Place the tub in a water friendly area

Note: Adult Supervision Required – As with any activity involving water at this age, supervision is required due to risk of drowning.

Time to Play:

• Invite your child to sit down and wash some dishes for you. If needed, join in the washing fun to set an example.
• Expect your child and the surrounding area to get a bit wet. Don’t be anxious about this. It is part of the learning experience. If needed, help them change their clothes afterwards.
• Thank your child for washing the dishes.