Building imagination together
Speaking to parents who attend SPLAT classes, there’s always two reasons they attend. It’s about letting their children explore and create and get messy (and not having to do all this at home!) AND it’s a place where their little ones can play together, learn together and build their imagination, together.
I know, as a Mum, there are lots of classes locally that provide sports, arts, music and language activities but there’s not many that aren’t age restricted, potentially separating siblings and making it difficult for parents to choose classes.
With messy play there’s no right or wrong way to “do it” meaning children can build their imagination TOGETHER with siblings and peers. Whilst one kicks about in the playdough squelching it in her toes, her older brother is making me a pizza with the playdough (something must do weekly in Timperley!) It’s fab to see Mums watching their children make, create and do together.
Messy play has a crucial role in brain development in the early years of childhood too. The brain is more adaptable and susceptible when we’re young so we have the ability to be more imaginative and creative with new and different experiences. This creativity leads to innovation and problem solving but unfortunately children’s exposure to sensory play opportunities is declining. Even though creativity is one of the highest sort-after skills that employers look for, research shows a drop in creativity in young children since the 90s as they spend more time glued to a screen rather than fostering important creative play skills with siblings and peers.
With the holiday season edging closer I’m grabbing hold of imagination with two firm hands; jumping in muddy puddles, firework painting, biscuit decorating and snowflake making. Why not come get creative too?
www.facebook.com/rachaelsplatmessyplay
Northerner & mum talking all things baby & toddler; how to survive motherhood & playgroups, party planning, weaning, potty training and all thing messy!
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