• Flat, plastic storage box 
• Variety of safe kitchen utensils (slotted serving spoons, ladles, scoops, cups of various sizes, sponges, funnels, basters, squeeze bottles, etc.)

Step 1: This is a great outdoor or bath time activity! Fill a flat, plastic storage bin with water (about ½ to 2/3 full) or do this activity at bath time. 

Step 2: Place a variety of safe kitchen utensils nearby. Include items that sink (metal measuring cups; saturated sponges), as well as items that float (plastic spoons; cups). 

Step 3: Allow your toddler to freely explore the materials. 

Step 4: Encourage your little one to retrieve a tool or item from the water. She will have to coordinate hand-eye movements to successfully complete this task. 

Step 5: Show your toddler some other things she can try. You might demonstrate how to:

• Pour water from one cup to another. 
• Squirt water from the baster into another container. 
• Squeeze the baster underwater to make bubbles.   
• Pour water from a cup over a slotted spoon. Talk about how the water falls right through! 
• Put a sponge in the water and then squeeze the water out. 

Step 6: As your toddler experiments with the different materials, talk together about what you notice/observe. 

Step 7: Admire the patience, persistence and focus your child exhibits as she engages in this purposeful play.