In full disclosure, we were provided the Splish Splash Sink and Stove in exchange for our honest review. This post also contains an affiliate link.
We all know that kids love to play, but teaching them to clean is a whole other story. What if I told you there was a toy that teaches kids to clean while playing? Now I’m not talking about a pretend vacuum that does not pick any dirt up, but a toy that actually teaches kids the value of cleaning while making it fun. Amazing right?!
The Splish Splash Sink and Stove is an innovative toy from Little Tikes that offers hours of fun while also teaching kids the important life skill of washing dishes. With its unique and easy to use sink, kids can pump water out of the faucet to wash the dishes provided with the set. They can even wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. How cool is that?
I first saw this amazing toy at Blogger Bash in July 2014. I immediately saw its developmental and educational value. I knew that it not only provided a fun and interactive play experience, but it was also a wonderful sensory-based learning tool. Kids learn best from hands-on experiences and what’s more hands-on than splashing water around while you play and clean?
The Splish Splash Sink and Stove offers hours of learning through play!
Kids can spend hours washing the supplies provided which includes: 1 frying pan, 1 spatula, 1 pair of tongs, 2 plates, 2 knives, 2 forks, 2 spoons and 2 cups. The sink requires some assembly which was easy to do and took very little time to complete. The Splish Splash Sink and Stove can be easily placed on the floor, table or even outside. I recommend placing a towel underneath and/or on the floor because water will be splashed around as kids play.
Since opening and putting together the Splish Splash Sink and Stove, my boys (ages 3 and 5) have enjoyed endless amounts of fun and excitement. I love watching them work together to find unique was to play with all of the features. They “cook” on the stove then wash the dishes in the sink. They also love to experiment to see what happens to the water when the drain is pulled out as well as figuring out how many pumps it takes to fill a cup with water. Even I was amazed to see how much learning there is to be had when washing dishes!
Trevor had so much fun filling the cups up with water!
4 Benefits of Playing with Little Tikes Splish Splash Sink and Stove
Enhances Fine Motor Skills
There are so many opportunities for motor development with the Splish Splash Sink and Stove. When kids push the pump, they are building motor strength, and s they wash the dishes, they are improving fine motor manipulation and control. Once the dishes are clean, they have to dry the dishes and carefully place them on the stove or separate area so they don’t fall which involves eye-hand coordination.
Encourages Cooperative Play
I LOVED watching my boys work together when playing with this toy. They took turns pumping and washing the dishes which helped build their social awareness and communication. They also brought math skills in by counting 5 pumps each before they switched. It really taught them about teamwork and how working together can help make a task easier and more fun!
Tyler and Trevor learned to work together to get the job done!
Boosts Language Development
The Splish Splash Sink and Stove is full of opportunities for language development. Kids can label the kitchen supplies and colors as well as count the utensils as they are washed. They can also describe the use of each supply as they clean it which helps expand their vocabulary and comprehension. While playing, kids can tell stories and engage in conversations with their friends which enhances social language. All of these skills are important for future academic success.
Helps Develop Life Skills
One of the things I love most about this toy is that it teaches kids valuable life skills while having fun. My boys really enjoyed washing the dishes without even realizing that they were learning important skills that will make them more independent individuals. I also used the supplies to teach the boys how to set a table which is another important life skill.
As you can clearly see, the Splish Splash Sink and Stove from Little Tikes is not only tons of fun but a wonderful learning experience as well. This toy usually retails for $19.99 and can be purchased at your local toy retailer and amazon.com.