Is Your Bathtub The Secret To Early Childhood Development? - Creative Ways To Educate Kids During Bathtime

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​Not too long ago, I turned our bathtub into more than just a place for splashes and giggles—it's become a new homeschool station. If you're like me, constantly searching for opportunities to sneak in some education with the fun, bathtime might just be your new best friend. Here’s how simple water play can support early literacy, math, and science skills, making every bath not just enjoyable but enriching.

​The Benefits of Learning in Water

Before I dive right in with a list of our favorite bathtime accessories, I want to point out some of the benefits of learning in water.  Learning in water is uniquely beneficial. The warm, relaxing environment of a bath reduces stress and opens the mind to new information, making it an ideal learning setting. Studies have shown that engaging in educational activities in such environments can enhance cognitive development in young children. Moreover, learning before bedtime can help consolidate this new knowledge, as the brain processes the day’s learning experiences during sleep. According to educational researchers, relaxed and playful learning environments can significantly impact a child's ability to absorb and retain information.

Bathtime Learning with Number Pop It Fidget Toys

Have you tried number and alphabet pop it fidget toys during bath time? These toys aren't just a trend; they're a fantastic way to introduce the ABCs, numbers and counting in a playful, tactile manner.  My 3-year-old is already really good at counting so he loves the larger version that goes up to 100.  We've also started simple math by adding and subtracting a couple of the the popped and bubbles. It’s interactive, it’s educational, and best of all, it's so much fun that he doesn't even realize he's learning!

Dive Into Reading with Bath Books

Waterproof bath books are a must have for our tub. These colorful, durable books are perfect for introducing new words and concepts with the added bonus of being waterproof.  Reading is fundamental so whenever, however, wherever we can read, we will read.  This is just another location to help encourage my son's love for reading while increasing his vocabulary and improving his language skills. 

His very first bath book was The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems and it came with this cute little pigeon bath toy.  Zero clue where we got it from. I feel like it was on my baby registry, but I can't find it on Amazon now.  If you can find it, I highly recommend it. 

Counting and Calculating with Foam Numbers

As you probably already know, foam numbers stick to the sides of the bathtub and tiles when wet. This allow us to create fun games and learning activities. We arrange the numbers in order, count them up, down and have even started simple addition and subtraction problems. I use bath crayons to draw plus, minus and equals symbols between the numbers because for some crazy reason no one has thought to make foam versions of these for bath time math. I've searched to no avail. If you know where I can find them, PLEASE tell me in the comment section below!

Anyway, this hands-on approach not only reinforces number recognition but also makes solving math problems a playful challenge. It's also way more fun than doing math problems in his workbooks. Don't get me wrong—he actually really enjoys completing his math worksheets, especially since we use stickers for an extra little thrill. But it doesn't quite beat foam numbers and a bubble bath.

Alphabet and Spelling Adventures with Foam Letters

Foam letters are another fantastic tool. We spell out simple words on the wall and review the phonics sounds for each letter and letter blends.  I'll say it again, reading is fundamental.  Teaching him to spell and sound out words is absolutely mandatory as far as I'm concerned.  Learning to read can be challenging and sometimes super boring for toddlers, so however I can make it fun and interesting for him, I will.  These floating letters have been invaluable as far as boosting his early reading skills. I actually bought 2 sets so that we can spell more words at a time. 

Exploring Science and Anatomy with Bath Toys and Body Parts

Science learning can start in the tub too! We use toys that mimic rain to discuss weather, boats to explain floating and heavier toys to explain sinking.  This hands-on discovery makes complex concepts more accessible and engaging for his young mind.

As far as teaching anatomy, he's in the bath so this is the perfect place to point out, discuss and name his body parts.  If his action figures decide to take a dip in the bath with him, we can find and chat about their limbs as well. 

Bathtime is a Time for Learning

When we tidy up the toys and drain the tub, sometimes I'm in awe of what my son has learned. Bathtime isn't just the end of his day—it's a joyful, educational journey that prepares him for a night of deep, enriching sleep hopefully filled with dreams of numbers, letters, words, ideas and the new wonders we'll discover together tomorrow.
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So next time you run the bath for you little one, think beyond the bubbles. With a few simple toys and a splash of creativity, you can stumble upon a world of learning opportunities for your child, right in your own bathtub.

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Have you tried any of these toys or activities during bathtime with your child?
What additional suggestions can you share to make bathtime a time for learning?
What's your child's favorite bath toy, book or game?

Please take a moment to comment below with your thoughts, questions or recommendations. 
Your feedback is always greatly appreciated. 

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