Bath time can be more than a time to splash around, it can be an opportunity for your little one to soak up some learning. For multitasking moms everywhere, here are four fun ways to make bath time a great time to build literacy skills. 

1. Sing: You sing in the shower so why not start them on the tradition with songs to help them grow their vocabulary? We love Little Sailor – a nautical theme song that you can use to ask your child to name objects around him or her.  Point to toys and other items in your bathroom to introduce your little one to new words. 

The easy verses and catchy tune will have both of you singing along.  Watch our video here and sing along with the lyrics below. Modify the lyrics to make it your own. 

Little sailor who went to the sea, sea, sea 

to find what he could see, see, see.

And the only thing that he could see, see, see

was the bottom of the sea, sea, sea.

And a diver! 

Little sailor who went to the sea, sea, sea 

to find what he could see, see, see.

And the only thing that he could see, see, see, was the bottom of the sea, sea, sea.

A mermaid!

And a diver!

Little sailor who went to the sea, sea, sea 

to find what he could see, see, see.

And the only thing that he could see, see, see

was the bottom of the sea, sea, sea.

A shark!

A mermaid!

And a diver!

…and on and on until you’re ready to set out and dry off. 

2. Read: Ah the joy of reading in the tub! As adults, we know how relaxing this can be. Introduce your little one to the. wonderful habit of reading in the tub.  You can do this in a few different ways:

• Read to them: Bring a stack of books to read while you sit next to the tub.
• Let them read: Use waterproof books to let them read on their own.
• Listen to audiobooks: Turn up the volume and enjoy a good book together.  Check out Canticos digital audiobooks in English and Spanish via the Canticos Bilingual Preschool App.

3. Write: Once your little one is ready to write, get them to practice in the water.  Here are a few fun tools to use:

• Foam letters: Stick them to the side of the tub and combine them to make words.
• Bath crayons & paint: Let them practice writing letters and words and then easily wash them off once it’s time to get out of the tub. 

So next time your kid is getting ready to splish and splash, don’t forget that it’s also a perfect song for them to sing, read, and write!