Water Features in the Preschool Play Space

11th January, 2012 - Posted by - No Comments

Editor’s Note: It may be winter, but what better time to dream and make plans for water-filled fun in your play space when the weather warms up?! Thanks to the charming Jenny Kable for this inspiring post! ~ Bethe

“ You could have the grandest water feature this side of the Mississippi or the simplest water sprinkler hooked up to a garden hose. The important thing is that you are providing children with the opportunity to interact with water. “

~ Rusty Keeler, Natural Play Space Designer

Early childhood centres all over are finding creative ways to add water to their playscapes.

Water Tanks

A valuable addition to any Australian playscape (fingers crossed ours will arrive this term!), water tanks not only provide water for outdoor play but teach children about water conservation.

Pop on over to Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning to read Make it Irresistible: Install a Water Tank.

Rain Barrels

This inspired cast-iron pump and jerry rigged water run at Woodland Park Co-op is filled with water using the blue rain barrel in the background.

Image: Teacher Tom

PVC Piping Sprinklers

Image from Preschool Daze

Image: Instructables

Water Courses

A creek meanders through the play area linking the rainwater tank, the sandpit and the frog pond at Kensington Gardens Preschool:

Recirculating Fountains

A custom water play sculpture set into the sand area:

Fresh water pumps with troughs and tubes:

Water Pumps

Sand and water play areas with children pumping their own water into sand pits:

Katoomba Preschool @ Ric Mcconaghy

Abbortsford Long Day Care Centre @ Ric Mconaghy

Joey Club @ Ric Mcconaghy

Dog Lick Faucet

I love this idea from Rusty Keeler of Earthplay. Attach a dog lick faucet to the hose for use in the sandpit. Children can push the small trigger to send a trickle of water out into the sand. You can find a photo of this set up on Rusty’s flickr set.

For more information on adding water to your playscape you might like to take a look at these links:

::: Water, Water Everywhere by Rusty Keeler

::: Water Play is Essential. Exploring Water Play and Conservation in Early Childhood Practice.

::: Wonderful Water Play - Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning

Stay tuned… ~ Jenny

Blogger Bio: Jenny Kable is an early childhood educator, teaching and learning from children in a progressive preschool setting nestled in the beautiful Australian bush. Her blog, Let The Children Play, is filled with wonderful ideas and inspiration for educators, caregivers and parents alike. Jenny is a favorite blogger around here! You can also follow her on Twitter@preschoolplay.