Featured in The Possibilities of Play: Imaginative Learning Centers for Children Ages 3-6, by Dr. Jean Feldman and Carolyn Kisloski, this learning center activity is a perfect way to motivate children to read and develop social skills.

Cool Pool

Materials

Plastic wading pool
Pillows
Stuffed animals
Books

What to Do

Put pillows, stuffed animals, and books in the plastic pool. Encourage the children to relax and explore the books. Consider limiting the number of children in the pool to minimize behavior issues. For even more fun, on a rainy day, open a large golf umbrella and put books under it. Children can snuggle up with a friend and share a good book.