One fine sunny day I decided to take out different coloured paints, some paper, brushes to paint. As most kids do, we started exploring the paint using our hands. I took the paper away and hung it to dry and added water to the mixture which covered the tray. At this point, I thought it fitting to add the flour. This was when the real fun began!

We started making squiggles, squeezing the mixture with our hands as we watched the colours and textures mix. We each took a brush and chatted away as we explored. It was relaxing.

A plastic breakfast tray is ideal for messy play because you could take it anywhere and it’s fuss free to clean up afterwards. If you want to preserve a painting just pop a piece of paper on top of the mixture to create a print.

Use what you have and mix in the colours, create different textures as you go along. Sand, flour, flowers, chalk and leaves are some ideas. Try different things. Look in your environment for new ideas.

Using hands and utensils is wonderful for sensorial and hand strength and coordination! It’s so therapeutic. As we played, our minds wondered.

The messier the better. Process is more important than the product. Take lots of photos of the play experience and talk about them afterwards. What patterns and marks did you make? What colours? How did you feel?

Each time we visit this activity it’s different. The weather, the materials we use, and what we feel like doing. Talk through your plan and ask questions like, ‘What do you want to do now?’ to foster decision-making skills.

Messy play fosters confidence and creativity. The end of the activity is just as fun. As I rinse the tray with the hose we can see all the colours. Subject areas such as Maths, Language and Science can be integrated too.

I believe we can create hands on activities that teach the academics in a fun, age appropriate way that also provides more scope for learning. Take a look at my other posts on my blog for more play ideas and subscribe to my Youtube Channel Maria’s Playground.

Thank you! And keep on playing!