Benefits of Messy Play
Messy play gives children the opportunity to experience a wide range of sensory experiences. Prepared solutions such as fingerpaint, slime and gloop give children a wonderful opportunity to experiment with different textures and materials.
It is important to provide messy play at playgroup, as it may not be provided elsewhere for the child. Aprons and handwashing water nearby can minimise the mess, and having a number of adults around makes it quick to tidy away.
Messy play helps children:
- Relax - it can be a soothing activity that helps release tension and frustration
- Express their feelings in a creative way
- Experiment with the properties of materials, e.g. does it hold its shape or pour or run?
- Learn about colour mixing, patterns, design, texture and rhythm
- Develop hand-eye coordination and practise the skills of pouring, measuring, mixing, scooping, and beating
Children may:
- Hesitate in accepting messiness
- Explore the material tentatively
- Become more involved and experiment fully with the material
Providing messy play often gives children the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence with the medium.
- Try not to worry about children getting messy – dress them in old clothes and aprons and be excited that they are learning from their messy experiences
- Join in - model that it’s OK to get your hands dirty
- Keep the area orderly, provide aprons and water for washing hands
- Provide equipment and fresh supplies of materials when needed
- Encourage discussion, singing and experimentation
- Supervise younger children to avoid getting materials in eyes
Ideas to help with literacy and numeracy
- Talk with the children about what they are experiencing - use words like slimy, runny, soft, warm, cold, lumpy, wet
- Introduce chants, rhymes, songs, or music, if appropriate
(Taken from www.lead.ece.govt.nz)