We recently discovered water beads.  You see, there is this thing called “Pinterest” that has all sorts of ideas for kids.  You should really check it out. 🙂  So I ordered some from Amazon (a 2-oz pack of Jelly Beadz), but I hear you get them even cheaper at dollar stores or floral supply stores.

Water beads are awesome.  They start out tiny and very hard, then you soak them in water for a few hours.  They soak up the water and become large and gelatinous.  That is a cool word.  But not cooler than water beads.  Seriously.  As fun as it is to feel then between your toes (try it!), you can also LEARN with them.  I know.  Mind blown.

1. Fine Motor Skills– They are SLIPPERY!  It takes a steady hand and pincer grip to pick them up.  Or try scooping them up one a time with a spoon.  We even tried chopsticks.  I think it is impossible.
2. Colors– Sort by color into smaller containers.
3. Language– Use adjectives to describe how water beads look, feel, etc.
4. Letters- Use the water beads to “hide” plastic letters, then go on a letter hunt.
5. Estimation– Choose a small container and estimate how many water beads will fill it up.  Then find out!
6. Counting- Take turns grabbing handfuls and counting how many you can hold.
7. Addition and Subtraction- Math is more fun when you have wiggly water beads to add together or take away.
8. Patterns- Make a pattern with the colors.  It is difficult to make the beads line up, but that is part of the fun!
9. Capacity– Kids will naturally want to fill up containers, so throw some measuring cups and let the kids explore.  They can see firsthand how many 1/4 cups it takes to fill up a cup.
10. Hypothesize and Experiment- Do water beads bounce?  Can you squish them?  What happens when you put them in salt?

And speaking of experiments, Creekside Learning offers a free printable science observation worksheet that is perfect for older kids.

*Disclaimer- Water beads look a lot like candy.  I wouldn’t use them with babies or toddlers who like to put things in their mouths.