OBSA — Week 3 (Toddlers): Splash & Play
Our Big Summer Adventure · Week 3 · Toddlers (18 mo–2)

Week 3 — Splash & Play

A calm, cozy week of water as a sensory treat — a warm water bin, sponges to squeeze, and gentle splashing. June 15–19 · Toddlers, ages 18 mo–2.

Read this first

This guide pairs with the General Planning Guide and applies Splash & Play to the Toddlers (18 mo–2) daily schedule — the shorter, gentler 13-block day. For toddlers the theme is exposure, not a project: water is simply a sensory treat woven into a calm, predictable day. There's no carnival and nothing to build — just warm water, soft sponges, and lots of repetition. The sameness all week is the comfort. Start with the prep block below, then run the days.

Section 1 · The Overview

Week Snapshot

Theme
Splash & Play — scaled all the way down to gentle toddler water-sensory play.
The "anchor"
A warm water sensory bin with floating cups and soft sponges, returned to daily. Friday is simply a happy, low-key splash — not a showcase.
Classroom
Toddlers · ages 18 mo–2 · the shorter 13-block day
Dates
June 15–19, 2026 (Monday–Friday)
Parent-facing hook
"Our littlest splashers are exploring warm water, soft sponges, and the joy of pour-and-splash — gentle sensory fun all week."
Developmental value
Sensory exploration, cause-and-effect, fine motor, calm regulation, comfort through routine.
Logistics
In-house · Phase: Build momentum · Cost: $20–40 · Ops complexity: Low (supervised water + towels)
EF lens this week
Working Memory  Barely present at this age — mentioned once, softly. Mostly we just play.
Section 2 · Start Here

Before You Run the Week

How this guide works, a soft note on the week's skill, and what to prep. Read these first; the five days follow.

How to use this guide. Each day below is the full run-sheet — every block of the toddler day, in order, so you can print one day and run it from the page. The toddler day is short and gentle (13 blocks), and handwashing is folded into the named blocks.

The 📸 Brightwheel moment is built in. Look for the warm camera callout inside each day — it sits on the water block, with the shot to grab and a ready-to-post caption. Snap it, post it that day.

Keep it calm and the same. Toddlers thrive on repetition. The water bin returns every day; the songs repeat. That predictability is the curriculum — don't feel you need to add novelty.

Printing. Use your browser's Print — each day breaks cleanly onto its own sheet.

Section 3 · The Lens

This Week's EF Lens — a Soft Note

Executive function is just beginning

The camp's lens this week is Working Memory, but at 18 months to 2 years it's only the faintest beginning — and that's exactly right. You don't teach it; you just create the warm, repetitive, responsive moments where it quietly takes root.

The most you'll notice: a toddler who returns to the water bin knowing what's there, or reaches for a familiar song. No need to name it or coach it. Your real job this week is comfort, warmth, and repetition — the soil the skill grows in later. Just play.

Section 4 · Prep

Before the Week

Simple setup for a simple week. Get these ready over the weekend or Monday morning.

Water-safety plan + ratios
Confirm toddler water-play supervision rules with a lead, checked against licensing, before Monday. Eyes on at all times.
Shallow warm-water bins
Low, shallow bins with a small amount of warm water; plan to empty and refresh, never leave standing.
Mouth-safe water toys
Soft sponges, cups, and floating toys — all too big to swallow (toddlers still mouth things).
Towels + dry changes
A labeled dry change for every child and lots of towels. Send a parent reminder Sunday.
Sun + shade
Sunscreen on file; shade ready for the late-morning outdoor window.
One or two water songs
Pick a simple water song to repeat all week — the predictable favorite.
Heat plan
Know your hot-day fallback for the afternoon outdoor block (3:30) — shaded, short, or indoor sensory.
Calm cleanup routine
Plan the wet-to-dry transition — towels, dry change, where soaked clothes go — so it stays soothing.
Section 5 · Supplies

Supplies — Check & Request

Scan this against what's already in the room. Anything you're short on, send the checked list to Amy early — furniture & equipment especially, since those have the longest lead time. Items marked (parent) are family-supplied. This is the gentlest version: a warm water bin returned to daily, so the list is short — and everything in the water must be mouth-safe (too big to swallow).

Furniture & Equipment · order early

  • Low, shallow warm-water bins (toddler height)3–4
  • Shade canopy / umbrellasas needed
  • Drying rack or clothesline1
  • Non-slip mats for the splash zone2–3
  • Lidded bin for wet gear2

Water-Play Materials · all mouth-safe

  • Big soft sponges1/child + extra
  • Plastic cups (pour & fill)12+
  • Small scoops / ladles4–6
  • Funnels2
  • Floating mouth-safe toyshandful
  • Small pitchers1–2

Craft

  • Washable paint (blue + set)set
  • Small sponges (dab & print)8–10
  • Big brushes (drippy paint)6
  • Thick paper1 ream
  • Smocks1/child

Per-Child & Consumables

  • Change of clothes (parent)1–2/child
  • Towels2/child + extra
  • Sunscreen (check stock)2–3
  • Sun hats (parent / spares)spares
  • Gallon zip bags (wet clothes)1/child
  • Paper towels2–3 rolls
  • Bubble solution + wands (Wed)2

Safety & Cleanup

  • Toy & bin sanitizer1
  • First-aid kit (check / restock)1
  • Trash bags1 box
  • Hand soap refill1
Section 6 · The Week

A Gentle, Repeating Week

Barely an arc — and that's the point. The same warm water play returns each day, with tiny gentle variations. Friday is just a happy splash, not a finale.

Section 7 · The Skeleton

The Daily Rhythm

The toddler day is short and predictable — 13 blocks, carried in full in each day plan below. Four are fixed: snack, lunch, nap, afternoon snack.

A note on water and the day. The water bin lives in the late-morning Outdoor Play window (9:50–10:30) — the cooler outdoor time. The afternoon Outdoor Play (3:30–4:15) is hotter; keep it light and shaded, or bring a small water bin into shade. Always keep water shallow, warm, and supervised at arm's reach. Towels and a dry change right after the water block keep the rest of the day cozy.
Section 8 · The Plans

Five Days, Fully Planned

Each day is the full 13-block run-sheet. The 📸 Brightwheel moment sits on the water block.

Day1
Monday
Meet the Water
A warm water bin and gentle splashing — pure sensory comfort.
6:30–8:00

Early arrivals, free play (combined). Soft, quiet welcome with the other little ones.

8:00–8:30
Settle In · Table Toys

Gentle table toys as everyone arrives. Warm greetings, calm bodies, a soft start.

8:30–8:50
Opening Circle

A short hello song and a peek at a water picture book. Keep it tiny and warm.

8:50–9:30
Opening Circle / Craft · Blue Sponge Dabs

Dab blue paint with sponges on big paper — a soft, sensory "water" craft. Hand-over-hand for those who want it.

9:30–9:50
Fixed
Morning Snack

Wash hands, settle, and snack together.

9:50–10:30
Outdoor Play · Warm Water Bin (water)

Sunscreen and hats, then shallow warm-water bins with cups to dip and tip. No goal — just let toddlers feel the water, splash, and discover. Stay at arm's reach, narrate warmly, and keep towels close.

Materials — shallow warm-water bins, cups, towels, dry changes.

📸 Brightwheel moment
Shot: a toddler's wide-eyed face discovering the water bin, hands patting the surface.
Splash week, toddler style! 💦 We met the warm water bin today — patting, dipping, and lots of happy splashing. Gentle sensory joy for our littlest ones.
10:30–11:10
Music & Movement · Water Song

A simple water song with sprinkle-fingers and a soft "splash!" motion. Sing it slowly, more than once.

11:10–11:50
Fixed
Lunch

A calm, cozy meal together.

11:50–12:30
Closing Circle

A quiet song and a book to settle bodies toward nap.

12:30–3:00
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time

A long, restful nap. Soothe and settle each child.

3:00–3:30
Fixed
Wake-up · Afternoon Snack

Gentle waking, then a calm snack.

3:30–4:15
Outdoor Play (hot — keep light)

Peak heat — shade play or a small water bin in the shade. Short and easy; indoors on a hot day.

4:15–5:00

Pickups, cleanup, combined care. Tidy together; move to combined care for warm handoffs.

Day2
Tuesday
Soft Sponges
Add squishy sponges to squeeze and feel.
6:30–8:00

Early arrivals, free play (combined). Soft, quiet welcome.

8:00–8:30
Settle In · Table Toys

Calm table toys as everyone arrives.

8:30–8:50
Opening Circle

Hello song and the water picture book again — the same one is just right.

8:50–9:30
Opening Circle / Craft · Sponge Prints

Press damp sponges into paint and onto paper — squish, lift, repeat. Soft and satisfying.

9:30–9:50
Fixed
Morning Snack

Wash hands, settle, snack.

9:50–10:30
Outdoor Play · Water + Sponges (water)

The same warm water bin, now with big soft sponges. Show a slow squeeze; let toddlers feel the squish and drip at their own pace. Repetition of yesterday with one new texture.

Materials — water bins, big soft sponges, cups, towels.

✦ A soft note — some toddlers will remember the bin from yesterday and head right for it. No need to name it — just enjoy their comfort with the familiar.
📸 Brightwheel moment
Shot: little hands squishing a big wet sponge, water dribbling out.
Squish! 🧽 Soft sponges joined our water bin today — so much squeezing and dripping. Great for little hands and very, very fun.
10:30–11:10
Music & Movement · Water Song

The same water song, with a "squeeze" motion added. Slow and repeated.

11:10–11:50
Fixed
Lunch

Calm, cozy meal.

11:50–12:30
Closing Circle

A quiet song and book before nap.

12:30–3:00
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time

A long, restful nap.

3:00–3:30
Fixed
Wake-up · Afternoon Snack

Gentle waking, then snack.

3:30–4:15
Outdoor Play (hot — keep light)

Shade play or a small shaded water bin. Short and easy.

4:15–5:00

Pickups, cleanup, combined care. Tidy together; warm handoffs.

Day3
Wednesday
Water + Song
Our water song, right while we splash.
6:30–8:00

Early arrivals, free play (combined). Soft, quiet welcome.

8:00–8:30
Settle In · Table Toys

Calm table toys as everyone arrives.

8:30–8:50
Opening Circle

Hello song and our water song — building the familiar favorite.

8:50–9:30
Opening Circle / Craft · Drippy Paint

Watery, drippy paint with big brushes — loose and sensory. No product needed.

9:30–9:50
Fixed
Morning Snack

Wash hands, settle, snack.

9:50–10:30
Outdoor Play · Sing-and-Splash (water)

The water bin again, and this time we sing the water song while we play — a soft "splash!" on cue. Familiar water, familiar song, together. Warm and joyful.

Materials — water bins, cups, sponges, towels.

📸 Brightwheel moment
Shot: a toddler mid-splash with a delighted grin as the group sings.
🎶💦 We sang our water song while we splashed today! Familiar tunes + warm water = the coziest, happiest kind of play.
10:30–11:10
Music & Movement · Water Song + Bubbles

Sing the song, then gentle bubbles to chase and pop — a soft, joyful extra.

11:10–11:50
Fixed
Lunch

Calm, cozy meal.

11:50–12:30
Closing Circle

A quiet song and book before nap.

12:30–3:00
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time

A long, restful nap.

3:00–3:30
Fixed
Wake-up · Afternoon Snack

Gentle waking, then snack.

3:30–4:15
Outdoor Play (hot — keep light)

Shade play or a small shaded water bin. Short and easy.

4:15–5:00

Pickups, cleanup, combined care. Tidy together; warm handoffs.

Day4
Thursday
Pour & Fill
Cups to fill and tip — endlessly satisfying.
6:30–8:00

Early arrivals, free play (combined). Soft, quiet welcome.

8:00–8:30
Settle In · Table Toys

Calm table toys as everyone arrives.

8:30–8:50
Opening Circle

Hello song and our water song — a familiar, cozy start.

8:50–9:30
Opening Circle / Craft · Cup Stack & Tip

Stacking cups and tipping them — the dry version of pouring. Simple cause-and-effect fun.

9:30–9:50
Fixed
Morning Snack

Wash hands, settle, snack.

9:50–10:30
Outdoor Play · Pour & Fill (water)

The water bin with lots of cups to fill, lift, and tip. Toddlers love the cause-and-effect of pouring — "I made it pour!" Let them repeat it endlessly; that's the joy and the learning.

Materials — water bins, many small cups, a funnel or two, towels.

📸 Brightwheel moment
Shot: a toddler tipping a cup, watching the water stream out, fully focused.
Pour, fill, tip, repeat! 🥤💧 So much focus at the water bin today — toddlers discovering "I made that happen!" Cause-and-effect is big, important play.
10:30–11:10
Music & Movement · Water Song

The familiar song with a "pour" motion. Slow, repeated, joyful.

11:10–11:50
Fixed
Lunch

Calm, cozy meal.

11:50–12:30
Closing Circle

A quiet song and book before nap.

12:30–3:00
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time

A long, restful nap.

3:00–3:30
Fixed
Wake-up · Afternoon Snack

Gentle waking, then snack.

3:30–4:15
Outdoor Play (hot — keep light)

Shade play or a small shaded water bin. Short and easy.

4:15–5:00

Pickups, cleanup, combined care. Tidy together; warm handoffs.

Day5
Friday
Happy Splash
All the favorites — a joyful, soggy morning.
6:30–8:00

Early arrivals, free play (combined). Soft, quiet welcome.

8:00–8:30
Settle In · Table Toys

Calm table toys as everyone arrives.

8:30–8:50
Opening Circle

Hello song and our water song one more happy time.

8:50–9:30
Opening Circle / Craft · Splashy Free Art

Open, watery free art — sponges, blue paint, whatever they reach for. Relaxed and sensory.

9:30–9:50
Fixed
Morning Snack

Wash hands, settle, snack.

9:50–10:30
Outdoor Play · Happy Splash (water)

The gentle finale — the water bin with all the week's favorites: cups, sponges, our song. No big event, just a happy, well-supervised soggy morning. Let each toddler play their own favorite way.

Materials — water bins, cups, sponges, extra towels and dry changes.

✦ A soft note — by Friday many toddlers go straight to a favorite from the week. A whole week of the same warm play is exactly what builds that comfort.
📸 Brightwheel moment
Shot: the happy, soggy scene — toddlers splashing together with their favorite cups and sponges.
💦 A happy, soggy end to Splash week! Our toddlers splashed, poured, and squeezed to their hearts' content. Warm water, familiar songs, and so many giggles. 🫧
10:30–11:10
Music & Movement · Sing It All

One last joyful sing of the water song with all the motions. Familiar and warm.

11:10–11:50
Fixed
Lunch

A happy, cozy meal.

11:50–12:30
Closing Circle

A quiet song and book before a well-earned nap.

12:30–3:00
Fixed
Nap / Quiet Time

A deep nap after a happy week.

3:00–3:30
Fixed
Wake-up · Afternoon Snack

Gentle waking, then snack.

3:30–4:15
Outdoor Play (hot — keep light)

Gentle shade play to close the week. Short and easy.

4:15–5:00

Pickups, cleanup, combined care. Tidy together; share Splash week photos at warm handoffs.

One guide, one week, one classroom. This is the Toddlers (18 mo–2) plan for Splash & Play. The Bigs and Littles run the same theme scaled up — switch rooms in the menu up top. Pair it with the General Planning Guide. Prints cleanly, one day per sheet.