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10 March 2014

Learning Through (messy) Play

As the weather was so beautiful over the weekend I managed to get a lot of jobs done around the house, including a load of washing being hung on the line for the first time this year, while the Mini Mes took advantage of their new 'tuff spot' on the patio. 

They are at the age where they don't need to be watched 24/7 and I can trust them to play together while I just observe from the kitchen cook and clean in peace.



They began by using spades to gather damp mud then they built a wall to divide the tuff spot (aka concrete mixing tray) into two sections; one half for grass and the other for water play. They then went on a bug hunt, leaving no stone unturned, and collected a variety of creatures including caterpillars and woodlice before transferring them to the newly created home. 

Both were really thoughtful and ensured worms were left in the garden so they wouldn't suffer in the warm sunshine!


They gathered a few of their toys and soon transformed the tuff spot into a miniature village of dinosaurs, Zomlings and Smurfs!




A simple yet fun activity which kept them happy for several hours. 
They benefited from this more than they even realised too...


* Some of the skills used/development *

Team work
Communication
Observation
Care for animals and the environment
Creativity
Role play



What outdoor activities do your children enjoy?



Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall
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7 comments

  1. Cannot beat messy play - especially outside! My kids have really enjoyed playing in the garden too this weekend! Rosy cheeks and they sleep better too after playing in the fresh air!

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  2. Messy play is great, even better outdoors :-)

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  3. Messy play is great, especially out in the garden! I love this idea for the tuff spot. We have a small mud area in the garden that the kids dig in, but this way would be great for creating a small world play area and it sounds like yours put their imaginations to good use :-)

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  4. Looks like great fun, we love bug hunting, and all things nature related #CountryKids

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  5. I just love thoe tough spot trays they are so perfect for exploitative play. Your two look like they had a brilliant time, I love the contrast of the toys and the grass, so good for the senses.

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  6. Such a fun and creative way for the children to use their imaginations and have some child initiated learning time! Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.

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  7. This sounds like a lot of fun! My daughter and niece have been making the most of their grandas allotment. Lots of mud and water to play with and we're going to plant some vegetables in the next few weeks.

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