Stages of Water Play

Just as with all types of play, children go through a series of predictable stages of water play. The first stage of water play is functional play in which children explore water with their senses; studying the way it splashes, pours, spills, and changes when colors, soap, or glitter is added. As they play there are learning the scientific properties of water and finding all the ways it can be used.

After functional play comes constructive play. In this stage, children move from exploring water to using it for play--for example, pouring water over a toy person and pretending he is taking a shower. This stage quickly develop from simple play into more complex dramatic play, such as the preparation of a birthday cake or a fishing adventure as Josh and Issac are doing here.

As teachers, we support children at all levels of play, often through a technique called sports casting. Just like a sportscaster on tv, we describe what we see the children doing. "Josh is pouring. Now the cup is overflowing." By putting the action into words, we are helping children to develop new vocabulary and expand on each other's play ideas. One child's idea of creating a shower might lead someone else to create a waterfall.