Mud, glorious mud – when playing dirty is beneficial for kids
International Mud Day, held on the 29 June, is a global movement which aims to encourage people to celebrate nature by getting down and dirty in one of nature’s finest toys – glorious, gooey mud.
In addition to enhancing a child’s bond with the outside world, muddy play offers children many learning opportunities including creativity and the opportunity to practice their fine motor skills. Children can be scientists, chefs, engineers, gardeners and artists when working in the non-judgmental medium of mud and an added bonus is that it is free! Source.
There are countless ways to celebrate International Mud Day, and they all have one thing in common – you have to get dirty.
- make mud pies
- do some mud painting
- make a mud sculpture
- splash in a mud puddle
- play in a mud kitchen
- check out this link for more Mud Day activity inspiration.
So forgo the expensive mud bath this month, and spend some time outside having fun and getting dirty in the mud with your kids! Need more convincing? Learn more about the history of International Mud Day, and check out the resources available from your local library:
I’m a dirty dinosaur by Janeen Brian and Ann James
I’m a dirty dinosaur by Janeen Brian and Ann JamesStomp, splash, slide, dive… This little dinosaur just loves mud! A gorgeous rhyming picture book about a naughty little dinosaur who loves to get dirty.
Up and down on a rainy day by Kathryn Apel
Up and down on a rainy day by Kathryn ApelA farming family gets up to wet and muddy fun as the rain falls down. Celebrating farms, family and rainy-day play!
50 risks to take with your kids: a guide to building resilience and independence in the first 10 years by Daisy Turnbull
50 risks to take with your kids: a guide to building resilience and independence in the first 10 years by Daisy TurnbullWhen we take risks with our kids, we teach them to be better adults. The more they are allowed to play in the mud, create games and find their own solutions to problems, the more they will thrive later in life.
The big messy art book: but easy to clean up by MaryAnn F. Kohl
The big messy art book: but easy to clean up by MaryAnn F. KohlA collection of art activities to be used with children of all ages, including mud dough, doormat prints and fly-swatter painting.
The real play revolution: why we need to be silly with our kids – and how to do it by Ash Perrin
The real play revolution: why we need to be silly with our kids – and how to do it by Ash PerrinThis is a guide to help grown-ups share silliness, laughter and fun with kids, benefiting the kids, the adults themselves and, ultimately, society at large. In a world of technology, product marketing and unending messaging aimed at adults and kids, there is a need to liberate the imagination, re-sow the seeds of creativity… and start a Real Play revolution!