MUD, MUD GLORIOUS MUD!

 

MUD PLAY! 

Understanding Terra Viva's nature play philosophy.

Springtime is here, and with it, it's most soothing, fun, children-friendly, and the most amazing and beneficial natural component: MUD.

Every child has the need to touch and feel natural elements. The need to ground their little bodies to the elements of the earth. This "need" is then transformed into incredible memories of freedom, friendships, and relaxation.

Getting dirty and filthy are synonyms for fun and pure joyful outdoor play.  Playing in the mud is the same as playing in the sand or water, but a little messier!

Our outdoor play philosophy supports 100% playing in the mud! Some parents might wonder what are the benefits of mud play and how to support Terra Viva's natural learning practice.

Benefits:

Medical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that playing in the mud helps strengthen the immune system. The germs in the mud actually help children with allergies and asthma.

Furthermore, letting children be exposed to these beneficial germs found in the dirt helps with the health of the gut, as studies have shown mud play may help increase the diversity of the friendly bacteria in the body.  

Mud play hands-on learning, promotes creativity and imagination, independent learning, and teamwork!

Mud play activities at Terra Viva

Muddy puddles: We encourage children to play after a rainy day in the muddy puddles. We also create muddy puddles by ourselves with water and dirt found in the playground

Mud and Buckets: Mixing water and dirt in buckets provides endless opportunities for children to explore mud in a more controlled environment.

Mud Kitchen: Making mud pies, mud balls and pasta. Decorating mud bake goods with natural elements. This activity promotes imagination and socialization.

Mud and Sticks: Mixing mud and sticks to build forts, mini houses, castles and anything that comes to mind!

Mud Throwing against the wall or a target: A fun activity that promotes eye-hand coordination and motor skills.

How do I support TV's Mud play practice? 

Check our Calendar and email announcements

Mud play will be scheduled every week if possible and will be announced in our Monthly calendar.

Dress for the mess

Ensure you send clothes that the children know they can get muddy and dirty. Extra clothing is essential. And don't forget a plastic or reusable bag to put dirty clothes in to send home at the end of the day!

Pick up time reminders:

Children might be dirty or wet at the end of the day. Please be patient and understanding! This only means they have had a lot of fun with the elements! We suggest you carry a plastic garbage bag to cover your car seat or surfaces from getting dirty. Towels are also great for cleaning the mess!

TAKEAWAYS

Don't worry that the mud is "dirty and messy". Just think about its benefits! 

Squishing and patting mud is a great way for even babies to get tactile and develop learning skills with sensory play. 

Doctors suggest taking babies outside and letting them play with mud. 

As long as they don't eat it to much and avoid contact with their eyes, ears, and nose, mud play is generally safe and healthy.

It is my hope, I have presented to you with enough reasons to embrace and support Mud play at Terra Viva.

In my 15 years  of experience as a Nature Educator, working with children of all ages, I can only say that:

Mud Play is more than a fun activity... Mud play is ESSENTIAL TO LIFE! 

Please contact me if you have any questions. I will be happy to help!

Mrs. Andrea C. Lopez Martheyn

Montessori Directress

Nature Educator