education
Let’s Get MESSY
Curious little minds should be encouraged, even if it means extra work for parents on certain occasions. Nicola Monteath speaks to Penny Newell, Manager of Honey Bee Nursery, to explore why children should get their hands dirty during play time
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hen most parents hear the words “Messy Play” they cringe and a collage of muddy footprints, paint, glue fingerprints and glitter strewn sofas flashes through their minds. This is followed by the horror of the inevitable extra washing and work involved in the clean-up process. While it may seem like one big mess, ever so often we need to think back to our childhood and fond memories. “Some of my fondest memories are playing with my sister in the mud and baking cakes and cookies with my mother. Mess can be cleaned up but the memories last forever,” says Penny Newell, Manager of Honey Bee Nursery. When children engage in messy play, the materials provide satisfying sensory experiences that stimulate emotional connections and wonderful childhood memories. It helps children to play in their own way, explore new textures and experiment. Children of all ages benefit from this type of play, and adults that allow themselves to play with their children find they have a great time too. Parents can support little ones by joining them and showing them that it is okay to get messy. While playing, you can encourage communication and use descriptive words to increase their vocabulary. When arranging messy play materials, parents should keep in mind the age of the child/children, and their interests, to
36 | JANUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
