Top tips: Messy moments
Messy play should be considered an essential part of early childhood. When children’s curiosity is invited and encouraged and if they are given the freedom to explore and discover, then play can certainly get messy. Embracing messy play offers a chance to foster a fun, inclusive, learning environment with the opportunity to engage with different textures, materials and experiences that help children understand the world around them. So let’s dive in and get messy!
Top tips for messy moments
- If messy play is happening in an area that’s not easy to clean, use plastic tablecloths or old sheets to cover the floor or any furniture or take the activity outside
- Contain the mess by setting up activities in trays or shallow containers
- Encourage children to explore freely – focus on the process of exploration and discovery rather than an end product
- Provide open-ended, natural materials such as leaves, stones etc
- Encourage children to feel, touch, squeeze, roll, and pour materials to experience a variety of sensory inputs
- Model descriptive language to help children articulate what they are experiencing, for example, “The paint feels slippery on my fingers”
- Setting some boundaries can ensure that everyone is safe and respectful of each other’s space. For example, remind children not to throw the materials or use them in a way that could hurt others
- Encourage children to be part of the cleaning up process at the end of the play to foster a sense of responsibility. Ensure cleaning supplies are nearby and accessible
- Allow time for children to get themselves clean too
- Demonstrate your own enjoyment of messy play by joining in.
NDNA products to support you with this tip
Continuous provision – online course
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
- MyNDNA
- Tips
Similar Articles
Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough
Inclusion in early years
