Say it with clay...Self expression clay workshop for adults using various clay mediums

When: Thursday, September 11, 10:30 - 11:45 am

Due to available materials, space will be limited for this workshop . . . sign up today to guarantee your spot!

Messy Play: what's the scoop? (Part 1)

By: Natalie Hansen, Child Development Specialist 

     For so many hours we have watched with glory and wonder as our children explore and learn about their world. We smile at the little teachable moments at the grocery store, share stories and songs as the wheels on the bus go driving by, and step over the mud-pies lined up on the porch steps. As parents and caregivers, we look for opportunities to plug these teachable moments into our daily life. So, how does one include the child who defines their daily existence with as much messy mud-pie making as possible? and how do we cope with the teacher at school who encourages the messy, sensory play, often "disguised" as science exploration or art projects? How can these experiences possibly provide more than just an excuse to find a mop, broom, or a quick trip to the tub? It may be more important than you think!

     According to recent brain research, sensory experiences forge neural connections in the brain pathways, which in turn stimulate brain development. These neural connections form during messy play. This doesn't mean spending an extra penny on new toys, or gadgets...outdoor fun and sensory play can be as easy as splashing in a mud puddle, squishing homemade play dough, painting your feet under the sprinkler or banging on pots and pans. "It's important for children to be able to explore the world with all their senses," says Shannon Scholler, former early childhood education director in Wichita, Kansas. Incorporating tactile sensations of messy play helps your child:

• Relax--provide soothing activity to help calm tension or frustration

• Unfold ways to creatively express feelings

• Experiment with properties of materials--ex. Is it warm or cold? Sticky or smooth? Does it hold its shape, or fall apart?

• Learn concepts--patterns, design, texture and rhythm and color mixing.

• Develop hand-eye coordination through practicing skills such as scooping and pouring, mixing and measuring.

Deeper than Dirt

     Sensory experiences begin early in your  child's life---as they notice sunlight streaming through a window, listen to the phone ring, or squish play-dough through their fingers. They are responsible for developing thinking skills and physical abilities throughout childhood. Here are some examples:

1. When your child tears paper for a collage, your child is learning hand-eye coordination.

2. When your child covers paper with paint, your child is learning about spatial relationships.

3. When your child pokes fingers through play-dough,  your child is learning about cause and effect.

4. When your child mixes water with dirt, your child is learning about science concepts.

5. When your child successfully learns to paste, your child is building self-esteem and pride.

Natalie Hansen is the new Child Development Specialist @ Up-County. She can be reached by contacting 301-447-2810 x 3013.

Home-made play dough recipe

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup water
food coloring

     Mix all ingredients together in a large saucepan. Cook on low heat stirring constantly until thick and forms a ball. Cool. Knead until smooth consistency.

          Play-dough additions just for fun: 

• A few drops of different flavorings like mint will give the play-dough a good smell. 

• Powdered cinnamon will also give the play-dough a brown color that is interesting for fall.  

• Try adding glitter for a holiday play-dough. 

• When you add the food coloring, for a uniform color, mix it with the water before adding to the dry ingredients.  For a marbled look, knead it in after the dough forms a ball.