Messy play is exactly what it sounds like—fun, hands-on exploration with materials that delight and engage the senses. From gloop and slime to finger painting and water play, messy play offers preschool children a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow. And while it might sound like a whirlwind of chaos, it’s much more than just making a mess—it’s an essential part of childhood development.
At Treetops preschool centres, messy play is woven into our daily routines to give children the chance to explore, experiment, and enjoy sensory-rich activities. Here’s why messy play matters and how we make it a key part of your child’s early learning experience.
Why Messy Play Matters
Messy play is more than just fun; it’s a valuable way for children to learn, express themselves, and develop important skills:
Encourages Creativity and Curiosity
Messy play sparks natural curiosity by inviting children to explore different textures, colours, and materials. It’s all about experimenting—what happens when you mix colours, mould gloop, or pour water?Supports Sensory Development
By touching, squeezing, scooping, and stirring, children engage their senses and build connections in the brain that support learning and development.Builds Fine Motor Skills
Activities like pouring, mixing, and scooping strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills—important for writing and other future tasks.Promotes Emotional Well-being
Messy play can be incredibly calming. The soothing motions of swirling paint or running hands through gloop can help children regulate emotions and relieve stress.
How to Prepare for Messy Play
1. Set up a designated area outdoors for easy cleaning.
2. Dress children in aprons, old clothes, or togs.
3. Use low tables or trough trays for easy access to materials.
4. Provide containers for pouring, scooping, and mixing.
5. Keep a tub of clean water and a towel nearby for quick hand washing.
With a little preparation, you can turn messy play into a creative, engaging, and stress-free experience for everyone!
Please remember to never leave your young preschool child unattended while playing. Always make sure to use big objects or items that they can’t easily put it in their mouth.
Messy Play Every Day at Treetops Preschool Centres
At Treetops Early Learning Centres, we know the immense value of messy play. That’s why we make it a daily feature at all three of our centres:
- Treetops Botany
- Treetops Botany Junction (near Ormiston)
- Treetops Pukekohe (near Paerata Rise)
Our preschool environments are carefully designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and learning through play. From finger painting masterpieces to sensory bins filled with fun materials, your child will have endless opportunities to learn and grow through messy play.
Join the Fun at Treetops Preschool Centres
Messy play is a vital part of early childhood education, and at Treetops, we make it both fun and meaningful. Whether it’s exploring gloop, splashing in water play, or creating colourful works of art, your child will thrive in our playful and supportive environment.
Come and see the magic of messy play at Treetops Botany, Botany Junction, or Pukekohe. We’d love to show you how we bring learning to life through play!
This valuable website, under 5’s, gives even more exciting ideas for water play at home. Check it out by clicking here.
Happy playing, learning and making memories together!
