This spring, we have been made an investment in our outdoor programming with the addition of Muddy Buddies. Each child has access to one to wear outside. Since their implementation, we have seen an increase of puddle jumping, mud exploration and interest in the rain.
We have also added some elements to the playground that are synonymous with a mud kitchen. Bowls, pans, utensils, pots and other kitchen artifacts were included in the outdoor environment to see what the children would make of the items.
Many of the children related the objects to ones they had seen before, or had previously used in their own kitchens. The natural addition of mud opened up some new play possibilities.
“That pie takes three days to cook”
Children demonstrate a sense of belonging when they recognize, explore, and make connections between home and the early years setting (HDLH, 2014, pg. 27).
