Tips for facilitating effective messy play

Messy play is now embedded in the provision of many early years settings and there is no doubt that it offers development opportunities in a range of aspects when carefully planned and managed. It can however become meaningless if inappropriately presented and developed.

Several aspects require careful consideration when planning  messy play including the media offered for play, the stage of development of the children, the level of adult participation and any specific aims/objectives for the activity.

Having observed many messy play sessions it is apparent that a key factor in determining whether the session is effective is the media presented. A popular, and potentially highly appropriate choice is the use of foodstuffs but an inappropriate selection can mean a wasted opportunity; presenting two three year olds with a tray of coloured rice pudding and spoons resulted in one child wandering away and the other eating the pudding while the practitioner observed!

In contrast a highly effective session involved the use of jelly with three/four year olds. The scene was set with the practitioner asking “ I wonder what we have here?” Curiosity aroused, several children came to look and joined the activity.

The jelly was presented in trays with a selection of utensils. The advisability of eating the jelly was discussed creating an ideal opportunity to explore staying safe. The practitioner sat with the children and scooping up a spoonful of jelly said “ I wonder what will happen if I do this…?” She then raised the spoon and dropped the jelly onto the mat. The children responded by trying this and talking about the sound it made as it landed then discussing what had happened to the lump of jelly as it fell. This prompted further exploration and discussion as to the changes in the consistency of the jelly as it was stirred.

One child announced that they were making dinner and the practitioner invited them to bring crockery from the role-play area; the child then decided to add play dough and there was some excited discussion as to what it felt like when covered in jelly.

The practitioner then introduced a selection of sequins/glitters and asked if they would like to try adding these. This resulted in further discussion and exploration as it was discovered that the sequins stuck to hands and sparkled and that further stirring turned the jelly to liquid which would then pour….

Tips for facilitating effective messy play:
• Offer stage/age appropriate media
• Ask questions that encourage further exploration/discussion
• Participate/model
• Add/encourage children to add other resources
• Plan from existing interests

Messy play and exploration can be effectively extended by the addition of other resources such as role-play toys and the activity can be carried out on a larger scale by using sand pits to contain the media. This allows for personal, social and emotional development.

Messy play offers opportunity for development in all areas of learning and careful planning and management can facilitate meaningful and highly enjoyable experiences.