Water Rescue Basket

What you'll need

• One large plastic tub, metal basin, or clean storage bin
• Enough water to fill it about halfway (lukewarm feels nicest)
• 10-15 small waterproof figures — mini plastic animals, sea creatures, bath toys, or rubber ducks
• A small kitchen mesh strainer or slotted spoon with a comfortable handle
• 3-4 plastic drinking straws (paper straws work for short sessions)
• A small empty bowl or bucket for the rescued figures
• An old towel to lay under the tub and dry hands
• A change of clothes nearby — this one gets wet

How to make it

1. 1

   Set the tub outside on grass or a patio, or inside on a big towel if the weather is cold.

2. 2

   Fill the tub about halfway with water — deep enough that figures can drift, shallow enough for little arms to reach the bottom.

3. 3

   Drop all the figures in together. Some will float on top, some will sink; talk about which is which and why.

4. 4

   Hand your child the mesh strainer and show them how to scoop under a floating figure and lift it out, letting the water drain through the holes.

5. 5

   Once they get the hang of it, introduce the straw: place the straw just above the water and blow gently to push a floating figure across the tub toward the strainer or the edge.

6. 6

   Set the small bowl next to the tub as the 'rescue station' — every figure that comes out gets a spot there.

7. 7

   For sunken figures, invite your child to fish them up with the strainer from the bottom, or use fingers if it is easier.

8. 8

   When all the figures are rescued, count them together and sort by color, animal type, or floaters vs sinkers.

9. 9

   To play again, tip everyone back into the water and start a new rescue mission.