childcareexpo
17-08-2011, 09:32 AM
Today we’ve been exploring what messy play is for practitioners working within the early years sector.
Messy play encourages children to become little scientists, exploring new mediums, textures, weights, consistencies and properties. It allows children opportunities for social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative development. It is in fact a vital part of childhood.
Messy play is an open ended activity where children can explore play independently or in a group. It is a great way to introduce someone new to a well established group of children, they immediately become involved, sharing their experiences and getting to know each other. It’s a great inclusive activity.
Messy play options include using natural resources such as wood, sand and gravel or food stuffs such as spaghetti or beans.
Practitioners can engage with children and ask them open ended questions, e.g. ‘What happens when we do this?’ ‘Why did that happen?’ Such activities help to develop enquiring minds. It is useful to record what happens during messy play either through writing, photography or video. Parents enjoy seeing the photographs of their children having fun with these various messy activities.
Messy play is an essential part of a child’s development. Its importance is underlined in the EYFS document and the benefits are huge!
Let us know what you think about messy play and we’d love to hear about what messy play activities you get up to in your setting!
Kimberley :)
Visit our blog for more information. (http://www.childcareexpo.co.uk/m-blog/view/a-very-messy-business(821).htm)
Messy play encourages children to become little scientists, exploring new mediums, textures, weights, consistencies and properties. It allows children opportunities for social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative development. It is in fact a vital part of childhood.
Messy play is an open ended activity where children can explore play independently or in a group. It is a great way to introduce someone new to a well established group of children, they immediately become involved, sharing their experiences and getting to know each other. It’s a great inclusive activity.
Messy play options include using natural resources such as wood, sand and gravel or food stuffs such as spaghetti or beans.
Practitioners can engage with children and ask them open ended questions, e.g. ‘What happens when we do this?’ ‘Why did that happen?’ Such activities help to develop enquiring minds. It is useful to record what happens during messy play either through writing, photography or video. Parents enjoy seeing the photographs of their children having fun with these various messy activities.
Messy play is an essential part of a child’s development. Its importance is underlined in the EYFS document and the benefits are huge!
Let us know what you think about messy play and we’d love to hear about what messy play activities you get up to in your setting!
Kimberley :)
Visit our blog for more information. (http://www.childcareexpo.co.uk/m-blog/view/a-very-messy-business(821).htm)