Lovely childcare

Kids will want to hop in the bath! A collection of fun bath-time play ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

The kids’ daily bath time.

It’s great when they hop right in, but when they say, “No! I don’t want to!” convincing them can be a real challenge.

When they just won’t get in the bath, it can leave you at your wits’ end.

So this time, we’re sharing ideas to make bath time fun for kids who say no to baths.

From homemade bath bombs and pretend play you can do in the tub, to toys made from recycled materials—there are plenty of bath-time play ideas that will make kids want to jump in.

Put them to use, and your daily bath time will turn into a fun part of the day!

Kids Will Want to Take a Bath! A Collection of Fun Bath Play Ideas (21–30)

Pool cue air cannon

Let me introduce an air cannon made from a pool noodle that you can complete in no time.

Prepare a pool noodle, a balloon, a pom-pom ball, and vinyl tape, and let’s get started.

Cut the pool noodle, tie a knot at the mouth of the balloon, and then cut the top part of the balloon horizontally with scissors, leaving more material on the bottom section.

Fit the cut balloon onto the end of the pool noodle and secure it firmly with vinyl tape so it won’t come off—now it’s ready.

To launch, place a pom-pom ball inside and pull back on the balloon section, then aim upward and release.

The steps are simple, so it’s also recommended for busy teachers.

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PET bottle aquarium

[Water Play] DIY a Plastic Bottle Aquarium with Sansan and Kumorin! An Aquarium of Sea Creatures♪ Pool • Educational Content for Kids ★ Sansan Kids TV ★

PET bottle aquarium

Let’s easily make a handmade snow globe in a plastic bottle that looks like an aquarium.

Cut out drawings of your favorite fish that you’ve drawn on a plastic bag, and put them into the bottle along with some beads.

Pour in water and screw the cap on, and it’s done.

When you shake it, the beads sparkle and it looks so pretty! If you draw fish directly on the bottle or tint the water with blue paint, it will feel even more like the ocean.

It’s also fun to customize—try floating your favorite animals or foods, too!

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Water gun made from a snack tube

No.073 “How to Make a Water Squirt Gun” [Handmade Toys by a Nursery Teacher]

Water gun made from a snack tube

You can make a great water gun using materials and tools you have around you! Here, we’ll introduce a water gun you can make using a snack tube.

First, make a hole in the center of the bottom of the tube.

Next, wrap the tip of a pair of chopsticks with cloth, temporarily secure it with a rubber band, then tightly wind twine over it to fasten it in place—that’s it! It’s also fun to decorate the tube with your favorite stickers.

With this water gun, kids can enjoy the sensation of drawing in water and pushing it out, and they can experiment with changing the water pressure.

Encourage children to try making this traditional-style water gun!

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sponge toy

Squeeze and have fun with water play♪ Sponge toy

sponge toy

A sponge toy made by arranging a mesh sponge.

Because it uses a soft material, it’s a safe water-play item for children.

Cut the net of the mesh sponge and remove the sponge.

Make slits in the sponge and shape it with an ocean-creature theme.

When making a jellyfish, the key is to thread the net through a hole you make in the sponge to create the tentacles.

When making a goldfish, tie the base of the tail fin with a rubber band to complete the fish silhouette.

Try floating the fish in the bath or squeezing the soft sponge and enjoy playing together with your child.

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tray puzzle

Poka Poka Plaza Tray Puzzle

tray puzzle

Let’s make an original puzzle using a food tray! All you need is a white or light-colored food tray, a permanent marker, and scissors.

First, draw any picture you like across the entire tray.

Once you’re done drawing, cut it into pieces of suitable sizes so it comes apart like a puzzle.

That’s it—the puzzle is complete.

Now, arrange the cut pieces so the picture connects and have fun playing.

You might get bored with the same picture, but if you can enjoy a puzzle using a drawing you make each time, your bath time is sure to become even more fun!

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