Axolotls of Xochimilco: An Invitation to Explore & Play
There is no question that everyone is axolotl obsessed! Their feathery gills, tiny smiles, & fascinating ability to regenerate parts of their bodies make them an exciting creature for children to discover & learn about. After learning more about these incredible aquatic amphibians, we brought that learning to life through an immersive small world inspired by Lake Xochimilco, the remarkable place wild axolotls call home.
We used our Tuff Tray to create a freshwater world inspired by the canals, shallow marshes, & remaining wetlands of Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City. We added water mixed with Colorations Metallic Paint, aquatic plants, rocks, aquarium stones, axolotl figurines, OpenPlayToys cones, & natural loose parts for children to explore & transform.
One of our favorite additions was the beautifully designed Explore Nook™ Water Way & Mill Kit. Its wooden channels & pathways added an engaging STEM element as children experimented with directing & following the flow of water. We also added a beverage dispenser filled with water, allowing children to independently release water into their creations while pouring, filling, experimenting, & discovering cause & effect as it traveled through the channels.
As the children played, we discussed what makes axolotls so extraordinary. Axolotls are a type of salamander, but unlike many amphibians, they remain aquatic throughout their lives & retain their recognizable feathery external gills. In the wild, they are native to freshwater canals & wetlands. They are also famous for their incredible regenerative abilities, including the ability to regrow lost limbs & repair certain other parts of their bodies.
Through this invitation, children weren't simply learning facts about an animal, they were building, pouring, experimenting, imagining, & discovering. Manipulating the water channels encouraged early engineering, problem-solving, & cause-and-effect exploration, while pouring & controlling the beverage dispenser strengthened fine motor coordination. Small world play also created a natural opportunity to explore where axolotls come from, what they need to survive, & why protecting their unique freshwater environment is so important.
A little water, a lot of wonder, & one extraordinary amphibian made for an invitation overflowing with play, discovery, & curiosity.
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