Across our Early Learning Centres, messy play is more than just a fun activity - it’s a crucial part of our early learning philosophy for every child’s development. From mud and water to sand and slime, messy play stimulates the senses and encourages creativity in young children.
As the name suggests, messy play involves hands-on activities using materials such as water, sand, dirt and mud. We believe that getting messy helps children develop essential skills while having fun.
Anjila Singh, Educational Leader and Assistant Manager at Derrimut, champions messy play as a tool for cognitive and imaginative development.
Messy play provides children with a sensory experience that promotes calmness, which is beneficial for all children particularly those with additional learning needs. It encourages creativity and allows children to use their imagination.
- Some of the key benefits of messy play include:
- Enhancing creativity and imagination
- Developing fine motor skills
- Encouraging sensory exploration
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Promoting social skills
Initially, some parents were concerned about their children coming home messy.
To address this, Anjila created an educational poster explaining the benefits of messy play. “We wanted to help parents understand that messy play is not just about getting dirty - it’s a crucial part of their child’s development,” she says.
Over time, parents have embraced the concept and now recognise its value.
Children at our Derrimut Early Learning Centre look forward to messy play every day, especially activities involving slime. By integrating messy play into daily routines, educators provide an engaging environment where children can be creative, learn and thrive.
