I used to detest messes…still do in my mommy brain. My teacher brain loves it though! The value in it is limitless and cannot be missed. Clothes and hands can be washed. The house will get messy too, but with a little planning, you can minimize any lasting effects.
Fun is always important, after all, it makes learning meaningful to children and facilitates deeper connections. But why is messy play so important? It is essential to brain development! Every time a child touches wet paint or squishy goo, new connections are forming in the brain. The stimulation provided by a mud pie or runny oobleck can’t be replicated by a computer game, flash cards, or stories. The act of skin coming in contact with tactile discovery stimulates new connections and learning.
Children learn through their senses, and all areas of learning are impacted. In my experience, the more messy play children get to do, the more relaxed they are. They are also more flexible in routines and quite creative in their thinking.
Here are some tips that may help you in your messy play adventures:
- Take it outdoors
- Get a vinyl tablecloth and tape it to the floor to contain the mess
- Provide clear expectations for the children’s messy play
- Use simple materials like snow, water, ice
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough materials for the number of children you have
- Get in there and get messy! It’s more fun than trying to stay tidy and clean
Try this Simple Slime Recipe for lots of fun that’s edible and not sticky!