Bath Book Play
To develop positive associations with books and early vocabulary through waterproof book play.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Handles books in water purposefully
- Points to pictures
- Vocalises during water book play
- Shows preference for certain bath books
Materials
- Waterproof bath books
- Water tray
- Towels
- Rubber ducks and bath toys matching book themes
Instructions
Place bath books in the water tray alongside related toys. A duck bath book with rubber ducks, a fish book with plastic fish. The books become part of the play rather than separate from it.
Model book exploration in water: 'Look — the book floats! And the duck floats too! Quack quack! Let's see what's on this page... a blue fish!'
Name colours, animals, and actions: 'The duck is swimming. Splash splash! Can you splash? What a big splash!' Connect book illustrations to real-world actions.
Let babies handle the books freely in the water — squeeze them, chew them, splash them. These books are designed for exactly this kind of exploration.
After water play, dry the books together: 'Let's dry the book! Pat pat pat. All dry! Shall we read it again?' This closing ritual models book care in an age-appropriate way.
Rotate bath books regularly and connect them to current interests or themes. A baby fascinated by ducks gets extra duck books in the water tray.