4 Play suggestions from Els Rengenhart for the Waterbeads
Author: Els Rengenhart
Occupational therapist and SI specialist
Tanja from toys42hands also sent me water beads to try out. Small round beads that expand in water. Expanded they feel smooth and also somewhat firm. It does take a while for them to absorb all the water. We kept adding water.
When laid out, the beads are nice to look at and feel smooth but pleasant. They invite you to feel.
Some game suggestions:
1. For thumb and index finger, pincer grip
Completely filled with water you can pick them up one by one between your thumb and index finger. For example, you can take out the white beads and put them separately in a glass. This must be done carefully so that they do not slip through your fingers.
2. From one hand to the other and feel
It is also fun to pick up a handful of beads and let them roll from one hand to the other. It is fascinating to watch and the smooth and wet feeling also keeps your attention.
3. Pouring
With the wet and smooth expanded beads you can pour as with a kind of liquid. You can pour them in a glass or a cup but also over your hands or your feet. It is handy to do that for example in a plastic dishwashing tub.
4. Look after it
Spread over tea glasses, for example, they are fun to look at. You can also fill the Sensory Tubes - found in gift tips - or a transparent vase or glass with them.
Providing structure for playing with Waterbeads
The play possibilities of these beads are virtually unlimited. However, the material, like the Happy Senso Gel, has little structure in itself. In order not to let the game end in chaos, some structure is needed. This can be done by limiting the playing space with a sink, offering a small amount of beads at a time or giving a specific assignment.
