Messy Play in the home.

Messy play is important for young children, giving them endless ways to develop and learn. All types of play are crucial for children’s development and early learning. Play helps children to; improve physical skills and co-ordination, work co-operatively and collaboratively, use all their senses to discover and explore their environment, and develop their imagination, creative thinking and ability to problem solve.
Playing with toys alone can limit opportunities to develop imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Messy play is inexpensive and open ended. Children will discover enormous numbers of opportunities for learning and play, through timeless and accessible messy play activities.

Messy play in the home
It may take a bit more time and thought when planning messy play activities but it is well worth the effort. Here are some helpful suggestions when planning messy play at home:

1. Giving children craft aprons to wear will prevent getting their clothes messy. Or use big old t-shirts pulled together at the back with hair/bulldog clips for total cover.
2. Take as much outdoors as possible (weather permitting!)
3. Use dust sheets over furniture to protect them. Use plastic tablecloths or shower curtains on the floor depending on the activity.
4. If you are playing outside, make tidying up a fun activity by letting the children wash away the chalk/paint etc on the patio using soapy water and brushes.
5. If you are very anxious about the mess…think small. Messy play could just be a simple activity. E.g. a bowl of water and different containers, scented play doh or finger painting, and have a bowl of water, soap and towels ready for washing afterwards.
6. The key thing to remember is to allow your child to become fully engaged with their activity and let them lead it. You can support their learning with vocabulary, posing questions and showing that you are interested and value what they are doing.

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