Keeping Cool: Ice Excavation

Here in the U.S. it's summer.  We are all looking for ways to have fun with our little ones while keeping cool at the same time.  Recently, I had my play group over for some messy play, and since it was so hot, I decided to set up an ice sensory activity.

Here is what I did:

1. Freeze water with small toys in ice trays and plastic containers (tupperware).  
2. At playtime, empty ice into tubs, sensory table, or large bowls.  
3. Provide children with droppers, basters, containers of colored water, spoons, and salt.  The salt speeds the melting process along and if you have large blocks of ice, it will also create cool crevices in the ice as it melts. 
4. Stand back and watch the fun!  

What they are learning/developing:

1. Exercising fine motor skills as they use the droppers
2. Science: observing change
3. Science: hypothesizing (especially if playing with friends)
4. Math: volume
5. Socialization & Cooperation (when working with friends) 
6. Color mixing (blue water + red water= purple water!)
7. Patience

Check out these other ice sensory ideas:

• Baby Play: Ice Sensory hands on: as we grow
• Ice sculptures with salt and liquid water colors The Artful Parent
• Creative play with ice for toddlers Sixty Second Parent

And look for more "Beat the Heat" ideas this week at hands on: as we grow! 

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