Get messy
We get it… kids are messy. Often the thought of encouraging them to make even more mess isn’t the most appealing to a busy parent. The pre-school world is awash with fantastic messy play opportunities in nursery and at toddler groups etc, but sadly often stop once a child starts school. The benefits to messy play continue throughout childhood and here are just some of them:
It promotes physical development – messy play activities often help to build strength in the shoulders, arms and smaller muscles in the hands and fingers. Tools can be used to help develop fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. Developing the skills to hold other tools such as pencils and cutlery.
Practices good concentration – children often fleet from one activity to another but messy play sparks so much joy and imagination that it tends to hold their attention for longer periods of time.
Promotes communication and language – messy play is sociable. It allows them to spark their imagination and talk about what they are playing with and exploring. We find that the therapeutic benefits of messy play support positive interaction and communication and often children will bring up harder topics or worries they may have if sat playing with a safe adult.
So how can you get messy without turning the house upside down? Use large dust sheets to protect the floor. Use large plastic trays which can easily be lifted up and washed outside or in the bath. Talking of baths… a fantastic place to get messy.
Some fun messy play ideas for all ages:
Food – a fantastic messy play activity that we all have access to. Cooked pasta, a can of chickpeas to squish, jelly, baked beans, the options are endless.
Water play or sand play – use kitchen utensils such as measuring spoons, potato mashers, sieves.
Cornflour (Gloop!) – mix cornflour with a small amount of water.
The options are endless so get creative!
Lou Race
Children’s Occupational Therapist