July 01, 2017

Quote of the Week

"Messy play allows children to...build, imagine, experience, investigate, explore, create, observe, predict and use the senses. Best of all, it's heaps of fun." - Anonymous

The Importance Of Messy Play

"Mess is an essential part of childhood. Living in a small urban homes or a rented property – as is the case for many city dwellers – can make messy play stressful and cause it to be avoided. Also, it is easy for parents to feel that people will criticize or judge if our child is seen wearing dirty clothes, or if our homes are less than pristine and spotless. Fear of bacteria can also contribute to a degree of paranoia about dirt.

When we talk about messy play, we aren’t referring to unhygienic living standards or toys strewn all over the house. We’re talking about activities such as jumping in puddles, making mud pies, painting, sand play, clay molding and play dough.

Children, especially young children, need to explore their environment with all their senses. Children learn primarily through play, so combining their need to play and their need to explore often results in a mess. This can’t be avoided and we would do well to remember that a degree of mess is part of life as a child and not something to become uptight about." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: A Little Bit of Dirt: 55+ Science and Art Activities to Reconnect Children with Nature

By: Asia Citro

Ages: Any

"Dandelion Bubbles, Rain Drums, Seed Bomb Lollipops and more!

Bursting with creative hands-on outdoor science and art activities, A Little Bit of Dirt is full of motivation to get outside and explore. Whether you're investigating the health of your local stream, making beautiful acrylic sunprints with leaves and flowers, running an experiment with your backyard birds, or concocting nature potions, you'll be fostering an important connection with nature. The engaging activities encourage the use of the senses and imagination and are perfect for all ages. Discover more about the natural world waiting just outside your door!" - Publishers

Be the Change

Mess can be such a big 'NO' for many parents. It wouldn't harm though to try it out once - just to see how much fun it can be when a child and an adult explores curiosity without any limitations. This week try to experiment small messes within your environment. Observe how the moment to moment learning creates deeper bonds between your children along with pure joy that emerges in the process. Check this out for more ideas on arranging your home with creative plays & props.