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The Empowered Educator

Inspiring ideas, training and resources for early learning.

Car Washing Toddler Style!

by The Empowered Educator 21 Comments

It’s time for us to take back some favourites to the toy library and as they were looking  a little on the grubby side i decided it was the perfect opportunity to introduce the toddler twosome to a little car washing!
 
I filled a bucket with soapy water and handed out some thick sponges and little cloths from the $2 shop……and let them get to it! The only problem was that Tara declared hers clean after a few minutes so i took it upon myself to add a little ‘mess’!
 
 
 
A squirt of shaving foam here and there really turned this into a fun activity that kept their interest for quite awhile….well long enough for me to hang out 2 loads of clothes and nappies anyway!
 
 
Ruby decided she needed to get the inside clean and it did challenge her sensory sensitivities a little but she slowly worked her way through the new feeling….with a few trips to the bucket to wash until she seemed comfortable…..
 
 
Tara was in her element as she just loves to help me clean….the addition of the foam meant that she had a purpose and goal to work towards….that foam needed to go!
 
 
Ruby just sat on a pile of foam…love the face!
 
 
A little more water and a change of cloths….
 
 
And onto the next car!
 
 
Mustn’t forget the inside of course!
 
 
Ruby preferred the texture of the material cloth which is why i provided a few options!
 
 
There….job well done according to Ruby! The girls had so much fun with this activity with very little direction from me! It was a challenging sensory activity for Ruby but one that she handled well after a little time…..and they loved ‘helping’ and doing ‘real work’ as all toddlers do.
 
Clean up was simple….just hosed the cars and the toddlers down!
 
 
 
I think they can do the station wagon tomorrow….why not give them a real challenge???
 
Have a lovely weekend all x
 
Warm Wishes……

Filed Under: Ideas for Physical Play, Ideas for Sensory Fun, Ideas for Toddlers, Outdoor Learning

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Comments

  1. Michelle@ Learning to Be a Mom says

    07/09/2012 at 4:10 am

    I have never heard of a toy library, but if it is what I’m picturing it sounds awesome! My daughter absolutely loves those cars. If we had an ounce of space I would get her one and she would probably be happy for the rest of her life. Looks like your girls had a great time washing their cars. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jode says

      10/09/2012 at 4:27 am

      Toy libraries are great Michelle! We just pay a small annual fee to borrow the toys and return after a few weeks. Set up by our council but run by volunteers. Great way of trying out toys first or not having to buy some big things!
      We did buy one of those cars but they fight all the time so had to borrow one for awhile lol!

      Reply
  2. Ali says

    08/09/2012 at 11:41 am

    This looks like so much fun. What a great way to incorporate shaving foam.

    Reply
    • Jode says

      10/09/2012 at 4:27 am

      Thanks Ali…the foam certainly did add to the experience!

      Reply
  3. Aprille says

    09/09/2012 at 11:58 am

    That’s a really awesome idea! teaching your kids so much good values and worth ethic!

    Reply
    • Jode says

      10/09/2012 at 4:28 am

      Thakns Aprille…we washed the family car today and they loved it although i was a tad exhausted keeping up with them!

      Reply
  4. Happy Whimsical Hearts says

    11/09/2012 at 12:18 am

    This is the cutest idea!! Love seeing the girls cleaning their cars ๐Ÿ™‚ What great and useful fun!

    Reply
  5. Boy Mama Teacher Mama says

    11/09/2012 at 1:10 am

    Have to have to have to do this! My boys love washing windows, floors and their toys. I am putting this on my list of to-dos.

    Reply
    • Jode says

      13/09/2012 at 4:40 am

      It was a really easy one that kept them happy washing for ages…hope your boyslike it!!

      Reply
  6. Catherine says

    11/09/2012 at 10:08 am

    Jode you are fantastic with your girls this is the perfect toddler activity, messy and helpful. xx

    Reply
  7. Penny says

    12/09/2012 at 9:40 am

    Miss Poss love cleaning (probably because I model that quite well in my household). This is such a great activity to keep the kids occupied. Love it!

    Reply
    • Jode says

      13/09/2012 at 4:41 am

      I model it alot too Penny and am suprised by how much they pick up! It really did keep them busy for awhile…thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Janice-learning4kids says

    12/09/2012 at 12:48 pm

    Oh my girls would love this!! Your kids looked like they had so much fun!

    Reply
    • Jode says

      13/09/2012 at 4:42 am

      Thanks Janice…they did! Hope your girls have some fun with it too!

      Reply
  9. Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says

    14/09/2012 at 9:30 am

    They look like they’re having a ball. Thanks for the incentive to get our toys outside for a bit of a spring clean ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Jode says

      15/09/2012 at 1:19 pm

      Thanks Kylie….they really do enjoy cleaning so much more than me lol@

      Reply
  10. Suzanne says

    15/09/2012 at 4:48 pm

    My buddies love washing our little cars, too! Such a perfect way to spend a warm sunny day! (If only I felt the same about cleaning.)

    Reply
  11. Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says

    16/09/2012 at 6:30 pm

    I love that you had a car wash for the kids cars~! So fun, clever, and practical! Ours could sure use a good scrub too =-) Thanks for sharing & linking up at TGIF! Have a great week!
    Beth =-)

    Reply
  12. Wendy says

    20/07/2013 at 10:16 am

    Aw, love it, great idea to add the shaving foam! Now they’re a dab hand at car cleaning, definitely get them to clean your car next – get them put to work lol! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  13. Coombe Mill says

    20/07/2013 at 1:55 pm

    What a fun outdoor activity! I love the inclusion of the shaving foam and all the sensory play with the various cloths and sponges. Thanks for sharing with Country Kids.

    Reply
  14. sabrina montagnoli says

    20/07/2013 at 8:24 pm

    What a great idea! Definitely get them onto the station wagon I think!

    Reply

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Jodie
Hi, I'm Jode, Mum to 3 girls in Australia, and an early childhood educator, presenter and consultant.
I share ideas, inspiration & resources for play based, inquiry led learning
Find out more about me here...

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