Rain experiences for toddlers?

Question

Hi, I need help finding some activities for toddlers to do, where they can learn about rain, but indoors. I don't know what to do! Anything about rain, clothing, listening to it, or anything. I've come up with a few, like, splashing in the puddles, and mud play. But I can't think of anymore. Thank you!

Answer 1

You could do a cut and paste (not sure if they're old enough) of clouds with rain drops coming out of them.

Use rain gear in the dress-up area. Such as raincoats, gumboots(wellingtons),umbrella etc.

You could also do water play but use either a watering can or a hose (the hose may not work inside) to mimic what rain does.

Or if its a rainy day you could allow the children to watch the rain through the windows. Or you could take them out in the rain for a little while.

I know you said inside but if its only for a little while they should be ok. Find out what the parents think first.

There are also percussion instruments which sound like rain.

Answer 2

You could get one of those rain sticks or you could do a play where some kids are raindrops and they all fall to the ground to make a puddle.

Answer 3

With toddlers---keep it simple. Talk about the rain. Paint large raindrops blue and hang then from the ceiling.

Talk about clouds. Give the children large pieces of white paper and tell them to tear them into a cloud shape. Hang them from the ceiling.

Talk about storms. Play "stormy music...Have them paint while listening to the  music.

Toddlers are too young to make "Rain Sticks" but you can

make "Rain Bottles"...Put some rice in clean plastic soda- bottles and have children listen to the rain--as they tilt the bottle up and down.

At the sensory table-Encourage children to play with water using   Sponges (they soak up water like the clouds- and then release it) thoroughly clean-bleach bottles --with small holes punched in the bottom, Sieves, Plant watering cans, Shaker bottles, etc., in a rain effect.

Jump In The Rain Puddle: Set out hula hoops on the floor. Play some music and have children walk around the hula hoop. When the music stops, have them jump into the puddles.

Tape record and identify different sounds/kinds of rain...

drizzling, sprinkling, pouring, misting, raining, thundering, lightening, hail, etc.

Instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose"...

PLAY "DRIP, DRIP, DROP'!

Instead of Simon Says, Play the Weatherman Says...

There are more than 50 Rain, Cloud, and Rainbow ideas, including book suggestions, songs and finger play at:

http://www.after-school-care.com/Forum.a...

Answer 4

When i was a kid, our music teacher sat us all on the wooden (gym) floor and directed us in groups.  first we tapped lightly w/our fingers, and then patted the floor w/our hands, and then pounded w/ our palms and stomping feet and then gradually went backwards through all of that to make it sound like a storm coming and then blowing over.  I remember really enjoying it.

Answer 5

You could ask them what they know about rain, what it is, what it does (ie makes you wet or makes things grow) etc.

You could then put out a selection of clothing (t-shirt, rain boots, sandals, jacket, umbrella, shorts etc.) or pictures of clothing and ask them to help you choose clothing that would help you stay dry, or just for clothing that you should wear when it is raining.

Answer 6

i remember making the rain maker sound things in preschool!

make a board with all types of weather and have them match up the clothing for each type of weather.

Answer 7

How about some songs? My little sister loves singing and acting. You could even ask them to come up with a skit on a rainy day and what are some good things/bad things about rain or what you should/shouldn't do. Also, a treasure hunt for things in the rain would be kinda interesting.

Answer 8

Rain sticks are fun.  Spray Bottles (you can even put paint in the spray bottle if you're that brave) I've seen it done.  I like the book, "I Am Water" I don't know if you're doing just rain or water...