### Lesson Plan: Water: Meaning and Sources
#### Age Group: Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)
#### Time: 30 minutes
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### Objectives:
1. **Understand the Meaning of Water**: Introduce children to the concept of water and its importance.
2. **Identify Sources of Water**: Help children recognize different sources of water like rain, rivers, lakes, and taps.
3. **Engage Sensory Exploration**: Provide hands-on activities to enhance understanding through sensory experience.
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### Materials Needed:
- Pictures of various water sources (rain, rivers, lakes, tap water)
- Small containers of water with floating toys
- Waterproof aprons
- Towels
- Illustrated children's book about water
- Simple water-related chart (e.g., rainclouds, rivers, taps)
- Watercolor paints and paper
- Plastic cups and spoons
- A small plastic pool or water table (if available)
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### Introduction (5 minutes):
**Circle Time Discussion**
1. Gather children in a circle.
2. Show them a clear container full of water.
3. Ask, "Does anyone know what this is?" and engage with their responses.
4. Explain that it is water and that water is all around us and very important for life.
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### Interactive Story Time (5 minutes):
1. Read a short, illustrated book about water.
2. Pause to show pictures and ask simple questions (e.g., "What do you see here?" "Where is water coming from in this picture?")
3. Encourage children to repeat words like "water," "rain," "river," etc.
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### Hands-On Activity (10 minutes):
**Water Play Session**
1. Set up the small plastic pool or water table with water and floating toys.
2. Dress children in waterproof aprons.
3. Allow them to explore the water with toys, cups, and spoons.
4. Supervise and talk about what they are experiencing (e.g., "Look, the water is moving!" "The toy floats on water!").
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### Visual Learning (5 minutes):
**Chart and Picture Observation**
1. Show pictures of different water sources and a simple water-related chart.
2. Talk about each picture and chart symbol, associating the word with the image.
3. Ask questions like "Where does rain come from?" and point to the corresponding image.
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### Creative Expression (5 minutes):
**Watercolor Painting**
1. Hand out watercolors and paper.
2. Guide children to paint with watercolors, emphasizing how water mixes with paint to create images.
3. Display their artwork on a board afterward.
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### Conclusion (5 minutes):
**Review and Farewell**
1. Gather children again in a circle.
2. Review what they have learned about water using simple questions (e.g., "Where does water come from?" "What did you play with in the water?")
3. Praise their participation and enthusiasm.
4. Sing a simple water-related song (e.g., "Rain, Rain, Go Away").
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### Clean-Up:
- Assist children in drying their hands and tidying up the water play area.
- Ensure all materials are put away safely.
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### Notes to Educators:
- Continuously supervise children during water play to ensure safety.
- Tailor the activities based on children’s responses and engagement levels.
- Reinforce key vocabulary through repetition and visual aids.
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This lesson aims to make children curious and excited about water, understanding its presence, and engaging them through multisensory experiences.