Step Ahead Teacher with children

Hooray for messy play!

There are many benefits of messy play and it is an important part of children’s development. If offers many opportunities for learning and helps to foster growth in all areas of development.

Messy Play is designed with children’s natural curiosity in mind. It encourages a positive approach to new experiences. There is no “right” way for children to do messy play. This builds self-confidence and self-esteem.

Through sensory experiences, children are able to respond to what they see, hear, feel, touch and smell.

Working with others fosters self-respect and respect for others. It also presents opportunities for making relationships.

Through messy play, children can develop concentration, problem-solving and planning.

Messy play can offer an outlet for feelings, experiences and thoughts.

Messy play offers many opportunities for counting, calculating and measurement. The children will sort objects, fill containers and create patterns.

During messy play, children have many opportunities to speak and listen. They use words and gestures to share resources, explain actions, negotiate plans and take turns.