Washing rice is a tradition that has been sacredly followed in many cultures for several generations. Children growing up in such environments watch this activity on a daily basis. This familiarity creates enthusiasm and since it involves water, they relish it. The texture of the dry rice as against the wet rice, the unique scent of each rice and their colour, along with the eye-hand coordination and muscle strength that this activity requires, contribute to an engaging and rich sensory experience.

Who is this for?

I would recommend this for children older than 18 months.

Things Required

• 1 small bowl for rice (white, brown, black or red)
• 1 medium pitcher for water
• 1 rice washing colander 
• 1 medium bowl for the starchy water 

Preparation

Usually, as adults, we wash rice at the sink by holding the colander in one hand and washing with the other. This is hard for young children who lack that kind of control. Also, most sinks at our homes are at adult height and for a toddler to stand on a step stool and handle the colander and water is inconvenient. For this reason, I find that having everything at a table frees the child to focus on the task in hand. An older child, who has more balance and control over water usage can wash directly at the sink.

Some families are sentimental about wastage of rice. In such a case, minimise the quantity of rice in the bowl or switch to a smaller bowl.

I also feel that we need to find a balance between child size tools and adult tools in the kitchen. For instance, in this recipe I have used an adult colander because I feel the child can achieve the purpose of the task with this colander. These are also ways to communicate to the child that our worlds can meet and merge in the kitchen! As always, you are the best judge of what will work in your home for your child!

Illustrated Guide

I like to begin with an invitation, “Come, let us wash some rice for dinner.” Introduce everything at the table else tell the child what is required and gather them together.

Show the child to feel the texture of dry rice and take in the unique aroma.

Show the child to transfer the rice into the colander.

Fetch water in a pitcher and show the child to pour into the colander.

Mix and draw attention to the change in colour of the water.

Let the child mix and wash the rice however they can. Show the child to pour the starchy water into the medium bowl. 

It is helpful to draw attention to the water flowing through the holes. 

Let the child repeat by fetching more water and washing. I generally use the starchy water to feed the plants or pour in a bowl for birds and squirrels. Involve the child in putting the items back in their place or for wash.

Short Guide

• I like to begin with an invitation, “Come, let us wash some rice for dinner.”
• Introduce everything at the table else tell the child what is required and gather them together.
• Show the child to feel the texture of dry rice and take in the unique aroma.
• Show the child to transfer the rice into the colander.
• Fetch water in a pitcher and show the child to pour into the colander.
• Mix and draw attention to the change in colour of the water.
• Let the child mix and wash the rice however they can. 
• Show the child to pour the starchy water into the medium bowl.
• It is helpful to draw attention to the water flowing through the holes. 
• Let the child repeat by fetching more water and washing.
• I generally use the starchy water to feed the plants or pour in a bowl for birds and squirrels.
• Involve the child in putting the items back in their place or for wash.