Water. It is the single most abundant element on the planet. Everything living relies on water in order to survive. You can take a few moments out of your day to teach the preschoolers the importance of water through activities that are fun and exciting for them.

Cotton Ball Clouds: The Water Cycle

Hand out a cotton ball cloud to the children and have them describe how it feels. Now place the clouds into a pan of cold water and explain what is happening as the water evaporates into the cotton balls. Have the preschoolers describe what they are seeing and have them pick up the clouds again and describe what they feel. Explain what is happening (rain) as the clouds drip water back into the pan (forms streams).

Nursery Rhymes and Songs

Teach the children the song “Rain, Rain, Go Away” or the rhyme “April Showers”. Pick from similar songs and rhymes.

Car Wash

Have the children use toy cars or trucks while you have them take their vehicles through a car wash. This will teach them teamwork and sharing.

The Importance and Usage of Water

Bring some photographs into the classroom to teach the preschoolers about all the important things water can do. Points such as: drink to be healthy, wash clothes or bathing, flushing the toilet, cleaning the house, hydroelectricity, and the ocean. Teach the children why each is important to life on the planet or their household.

Melting Ice

How long does it take ice to melt? Put some ice cubes around the classroom or home in paper cups. Have the children observe how fast each cube melts and explain why some melt faster than others.

Freezing Water

Freeze juice into ice cube trays to show the preschoolers how water turns solid. Show them how the solid turns to liquid again. You can alternately make popsicles with them if you wish.

I’m Floating!

Either in a small pool or while your child is bathing add some different items to the water to demonstrate buoyancy. Make the items different weights such as plastic, metal and wooden spoons, toys, blocks, etc. Talk about what you are seeing with the children. Explain how “floaties” and life jackets can keep them afloat.

Fishing

Fill a small wading pool or large pot or bucket with water. Put some play fish inside the water and grab some fishing poles. Have the kids go fishing.

Swimming and Water Parks

Take the preschoolers on a field trip to a swimming pool, lake, ocean or water park for a day of fun in the sun! Heck, why not play with hoses while you’re at it!

Water Based Snacks

Prepare soup by adding fresh ingredients to a water-based broth. Have the kids prepare powered drinks mixed with water. Mix juice and sparking water for a bubble-filled drink.

The theme of water can leave you with limitless ideas on what to do. These are just a few helpful preschooler activities that can be done to teach them the water cycle, the importance of water to life, the fun you can have with the element and different things you can eat or drink that are water based.