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Sensory experiences with Messy Play

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Messy play is a sensory rich experience for children allowing them to discover and learn about textures and materials. As messy play involves sensory aspects it can be a soothing experience for children.

BestStart Whangaparaoa offers a range of messy play options for children, consisting of slime, gloop, paint, shaving foam, sand and water play and other water-based activities. We believe that messy play contributes to our curriculum (Te Whariki) through supporting communication, exploration, and contribution. Messy play is an essential part of our programme as it creates many opportunities for intentional teaching and engages children in mindful learning.

Our messy play activities are setup outside often in water troughs or on flat tables allowing children the space to move around the activity. Children are encouraged to use their hands, feet and bodies to explore textures and materials. Aside from being a sensory experience for children, messy play also supports our children in developing hand eye coordination. Our teachers accompany messy play with various resources including cups, measuring tools, spoons and sticks. At our centre you can instantly tell when a messy play activity has been setup as all children are instantly engaged. You can see huddles of children around a central area and hear loads of excitement as children engage in conversations with teachers and peers about their sensory experiences.