Why “Mess is best”

Babies and toddlers make sense of their world with the information they receive through their five senses. They understand things by what they see, hear, smell, taste and touch which is why sensory play is so crucial for healthy development. Sensory play tends to be a little messy which is why you might need some encouragement before you’d be willing to let your baby or toddler stick their hands in a bowl of goop. Here are 5 reasons why you should say yes to the mess:

1. Brain benefits
   During sensory play neural connections (grey matter) are made for learning, critical thinking, creativity and imagination. The brain begins to understand new cause-and-effect relationships with new materials, and problem-solving skills are developed as new challenges are presented during playtime. The simple act of filling a bucket introduces basic mathematical concepts. They begin to understand size, shape, measuring, counting and sorting through sensory play.
2. Emotional and social benefits
   The feeling of having sand or water run through your fingers is very calming and can be soothing for anxious children. They are able to learn self-control as the calming experience allows them to organise their thoughts and manage their feelings. They are given the chance to learn about responsibility and consequences for their actions as they are able to see the mess that is made, and how they can help to tidy up when playtime is over. Their self-esteem and independence is built up as they are given the chance to make their own choices.
3. Fine motor benefits
   Sensory play is a wonderful way to get some good exercise for little fingers. Not only is it important for dexterity but also for hand-eye coordination. This is important for learning things like how to tie shoelaces and do buttons, or for good pencil grip and handwriting.
4. Language benefits
   Language is learned through the repetition of words. When playing with a new texture, a child learns new words to describe what they are seeing or feeling – sticky, squishy, cold, gritty, pointy, coarse or bumpy! The opportunity to learn new words comes when there is sensory play.
5. Fun!
   Sensory play is always fun and provides opportunities for special memories to be made together.

Tips for Messy Play

1. Be prepared
   Plan ahead before you bring out the sensory game. Think about where the best place will be – in the playroom? the garden? the kitchen? Think about how to protect important things from getting messy – e.g. putting a blanket or towel on the floor, covering the couch with a towel or wearing aprons. Think about how you will clean up once you are finished – will you need a bucket and water, a dust pan and broom, or just some wet wipes?
2.  Quantity matters
   You will have less mess to clean up if you give your child a cup of rice instead of a bucket of rice! Start out with smaller amounts to control the mess.

Getting Started

Now that you’re interested in doing some messy, sensory play, where do you start? Why not try this easy, tried and tested recipe below to make Flax Goo! You can order more tried and tested recipes and toys for sensory play from Nanny n Me.