Scoop the limes toddler water play can also be titled: Grandma Bought too Many Limes at Costco, and Now we Need to Find Some Uses. Ha! It’s true. Sometimes the best toddler activities come from ideas that happen organically. Here, my mom purchased more limes than she could account for. So before we Google all things limes, we will make a quick sensory bin so no limes go wasted.
Simple idea, lots of play
What happened as my boys played was simply magical. We began the water play using a ladle and finished with other fabulous variations. All taken from our outdoor storage bin, of course! (yeh, we’ve got a thing for outdoor activities)
This gross motor game began with my two-year-old. His job was to scoop limes out of the water and place them into the bin.
And he cracked me up. My toddler would pick up the lime with his hand, place it into the soup ladle, and then transfer it into the plastic bin. Not the original plan, but he was so proud. I didn’t dare rearrange his technique.
Remember, we may have an idea, yet allow your toddler to run with the implementation. It is important to allow some freedom and flexibility to let him test out new ideas. Toddlers need room to explore ideas.
RELATED: New to sensory play? I wrote a how-to-start sensory play at-home guide to help.
Why is gross motor important?
Gross motor games help the large muscles of the body. Building this strength now will help with things like throwing, balance, and coordination later.
Large motor activities and gross motor games are essentially the same.
Having your preschooler move their body literally wakes up their brain. These activities involve using the larger muscles in your body:
We want to practice strengthening the large muscles just as much as we practice the fine motor skills. (cutting, pasting, gluing, writing, buttoning, tying, etc.) Both are important for development.
RELATED: Does your toddler want to paint, which makes you a little nervous? You will love this genius painting with a toddler idea.
Water play is not just for toddlers!
My four-year-old soon entered the scene with a pair of kitchen tongs. Wow, I thought. Why didn’t I think of that?! Brilliant, isn’t it?
My two-year-old practiced holding a steady hand to scoop and pour as his older brother squeezed the tongs to grab each lemon. Oh, the teamwork! Are these the same two kids that were just arguing over who got the blue cup?
Even better? My four-year-old kept his left hand behind his back to challenge himself with hand-eye coordination. He did this without me asking him to try. Preschoolers also know how to self-direct their play to meaningful actions.
Remember, plant the seeds, and you will see sprinkles of previous activities continue to make their way into the self-guided play.
Sensory play = teamwork
So there they were! Playing in complete harmony. Now, you know we love water play. In fact, run and check out these 35+ ideas for water play. You will soon see how a little water will change the entire tone of the afternoon.
Make this toddler water play in a flash! It was a hit over here, and I am certain it will also be for you.
Pin this image to save scoop the limes water play for your next Costco Run!
RELATED: Good toddler toys are a lot like finding the right shampoo. That is why we did the digging for you.
More water play activities for kids
The weather is warming up, and water is a simple tool to help the days go by with kids quickly. (even though we are cherishing the time together) Here are five more water play activities for your toddler or preschooler.
FAQ
Water games with kids are easier than you may think! Often, items from your kitchen, such as measuring cups, large spoons, and a muffin tin to freeze water, will do the trick. Keep water activities for kids simple, and take a look around your house to see what you can toss in to buy yourself a few extra sips of coffee as your child plays. Use this list of water activities for kids for inspiration.
The best part of this activity is scooping and transferring. If you have one, you can use lemons or even plastic balls from a ball pit.
Having a toddler at home can be tricky to start play. I created this free download to help you create a calmer morning with kids at home through play.
