Two Little Raindrops: Fun Activity Ideas

Watch the magic of a cloud form right before your eyes with this simple and captivating science experiment using everyday household items.

Instructions:

1. Fill a clear glass jar or bottle with about 1 inch of hot water.

2. Place a lid or small plate on top of the jar, then put several ice cubes on the lid.

3. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. The warm water evaporates, and when it hits the cold air under the lid, it condenses to form a cloud!

4. Observe the 'cloud' forming inside the jar. You can shine a flashlight through it for a better view.

5. Discuss with your child how this is similar to how real clouds form in the sky.

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass jar with a lid or small plate

• Hot water (adult supervision needed)

• Ice cubes

• Flashlight (optional)

Create a captivating sensory experience with water, blue items, and natural elements. Your child can scoop, pour, and explore, developing fine motor skills and tactile understanding while playing with 'raindrops.'

Instructions:

1. Fill a clear plastic bin or large bowl with water, about halfway full.

2. Add various blue items like smooth glass beads, blue pom-poms, small plastic blue toys, or even a few drops of blue food coloring to the water.

3. Include natural elements such as clean, small pebbles, leaves, or tiny sticks for added texture and discovery.

4. Provide a variety of tools for manipulation: scoops, cups, small colanders, funnels, and spoons.

5. Let your child freely explore the bin. Encourage them to scoop the 'raindrops,' pour water, and discover the different textures and sounds.

6. Talk about the sounds the water makes, how it feels, and where the 'raindrops' are going when they pour.

Materials Needed:

• Large clear plastic bin or bowl

• Water

• Blue glass beads, blue pom-poms, or small blue plastic toys

• Optional: blue food coloring

• Small, clean pebbles, leaves, or tiny sticks

• Scoops, cups, small colanders, funnels

Turn a simple plastic bottle into a working rain gauge and help your child observe how much rain falls in your own backyard. It's a fun, hands-on way to connect with the weather and understand precipitation!

Instructions:

1. Cut the top off a clear plastic bottle (e.g., a 2-liter soda bottle), about one-third of the way down.

2. Invert the top part of the bottle and place it into the bottom section, creating a funnel.

3. Use a ruler and a permanent marker to draw measurement lines (e.g., every half inch or centimeter) up the side of the bottom section, starting from the very bottom.

4. Place a small amount of pebbles or sand in the bottom to prevent it from blowing over in the wind.

5. Find an open spot in your yard or on a patio where the rain gauge can collect rain without obstruction. Ensure it's level.

6. After it rains, check the gauge with your child and read the measurement. Discuss how much rain fell.

7. Record your findings in a simple 'rain journal' with dates and amounts. Empty the gauge after each measurement.

Materials Needed:

• Clear plastic bottle (2-liter or similar)

• Scissors

• Ruler

• Permanent marker

• Pebbles or sand

• Notebook or paper

• Pencil

Create your own musical instrument that mimics the gentle sound of falling rain. It's a delightful craft that connects children to the sounds of nature and the magic of 'Two Little Raindrops.'

Instructions:

1. Decorate the outside of a cardboard tube (paper towel or wrapping paper tube) with paint, markers, or collage materials. Allow it to dry completely.

2. Cut out two circles of cardboard or thick paper slightly larger than the ends of your tube.

3. Glue or tape one of the cardboard circles securely to one end of the tube to seal it completely.

4. Carefully poke several small holes (with adult supervision, using a pushpin or skewer) in a spiral pattern down the length of the tube from the inside. Insert toothpicks or small nails into these holes from the inside, so they protrude slightly, creating internal baffles. (Alternatively, if using only dried beans/rice, you can skip this step).

5. Fill the tube with a small amount of dried rice, beans, lentils, or tiny beads. Experiment with different amounts for varied rain sounds.

6. Seal the other end of the tube with the second cardboard circle, ensuring it's completely closed.

7. Once dry and sealed, gently tilt the rain stick slowly to hear the soothing 'rain' sound it produces. 

Materials Needed:

• Empty cardboard tube (paper towel or wrapping paper roll)

• Paint, markers, or collage materials for decoration

• Glue or strong tape

• Cardboard or thick paper for end circles

• Pushpin or skewer (for adult use, optional)

• Toothpicks or small nails (optional, for internal baffles)

• Dried rice, beans, lentils, or small beads for filler

Lie back, relax, and watch the clouds float by! This activity encourages imagination and observation as you and your child discover shapes and tell stories inspired by the clouds, connecting to the source of our raindrops.

Instructions:

1. Find a comfortable spot outdoors on a blanket or grass on a day with visible, interesting clouds. Choose a safe, open area.

2. Lie down with your child and look up at the sky. Encourage a relaxed, observant posture.

3. Point out different clouds and ask your child what shapes they see (e.g., 'That cloud looks like a fluffy sheep!', 'I see a dragon!').

4. Take turns telling short, imaginative stories about the clouds you observe. Build on each other's ideas.

5. Discuss how clouds hold the rain before it falls, just like in the book 'Two Little Raindrops'.

6. Optionally, take pictures of interesting cloud shapes to remember your stories and creations.

Materials Needed:

• Blanket (optional)

• Imagination

• Clear day with clouds