With the weather getting warmer, it is time for my kids to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some outdoor time. In the past we had fun with our Garden Sensory Bin. One of the things I enjoyed about it, is that it is very easy to change up the bin and create a new sensory experience for kids. We often add water to our soil to create mud. Kids love exploring with soil and water, and playing with mud is a perfect way to stimulate their natural curiosity. Also check out 10 Ways to Enjoy Messy Play This Summer.
Playing with Mud
I let my kids create the mud themselves by adding water to the bin of soil. They would pour a bit of water and see if the soil was the consistency they wanted. When it wasn't, they would add more water.
When my daughter was satisfied with the mud, she added some toy frogs and stirred them up. This is really a great workout for kids as it takes a bit of muscle to stir the mud.
Next, she added some mud to a bucket and decided to see what would happen if she added even more water to it.
Time to add some frogs for some "frog soup."
Scooping up lunch!
The great thing about playing with mud is that it is very open ended. Kids get to explore on their terms. They get to hypothesize about what will happen when they add a certain amount of water to the dirt and then test their hypothesis. The mud provides a sensory experience as well as an opportunity for children to stretch their imaginations as they create play scenarios using the mud. Not bad for some dirt and water!
Simple experiments are great for youngsters and are not daunting for adults. If you're looking for more simple experiments, the Spangler Science Club delivers incredible hands-on science to your home every month. Join Today! Your child will receive the most fantastic scientific experiments sent to your house each month.
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Samantha Moore says
I truly believe that fun, and learning should not only be confined within the 4 corners of the house or room. Children, as young as they are should need to explore their surroundings. Discovery of things outside of their comfort zones opens their mind in familiarizing and exercises their brain in analysis.
I have my nieces and nephews at home and I often encourage them to play outdoors, regardless if they get minor bruises, get stinky or dirty because I believe that despite all these, they learn.
Melinda says
Looks like fun!
M 🙂