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Mudstock 2015! Pre-K Style!

7/10/2015

8 Comments

 
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This is my absolute favorite type of post to write. 

Pure P.L.A.Y.!!  

Pure J.O.Y.!!!

Crazy, messy, all out F.U.N.!!!

It's been raining, A LOT in the Midwest in recent weeks.  We have had flood after flood, and more rainy days stuck inside than I care to recall.  Today is wasn't raining!  It was still a muddy, wet mess, but we EMBRACED it, literally...we hugged the mud.  I usually post fun pictures while the play is happening on my various social media for all the mommas and daddies to enjoy, but this one was...well...a bit intimidating even for me!  

In all my years of experience and training, you wouldn't think images of muddy kids would scare me, but that's the one thing that still makes me cringe just a little.  Not for me, well...let's be really honest here.  I will absolutely allow messy play even while knowing it will take me TONS of time and effort to clean all the spots and smears from dirty bods and clothing.  I think we used an entire bottle of non-chlorine bleach and thank heaven for Oxi-Clean!  HA!!  

But, rather, it's knowing that there is always a parent out there that really isn't into all the over-the-top messy type play that science and research indicates is so good for kiddos.  

SO, in an effort to save that parent from a stroke while at work, I waited to post these until I sent all the cuties pies home cleaned up (mostly) and stains removed!! (again...mostly!!!)

Here it is.....  Mudstock 2015, Pre-K Style!!!

Stomp, jump, splash, roll!
The boy crew was more than happy to engage in this full body sensory experience!
Taking a break and one happy dude!
How can they splash so high in an inch of water???
When their puddle was running a bit low, they decided to "refill" it from the water table....we shall call this "problem solving skills!"
Back for more!!
Ohhh....what will happen if I drive a truck through it??? "Investigation and inquiry"
I need leverage! How about using a swing to help me jump higher! "Discovering leverage."
Dragging the lower half through the puddles...
I NEVER want to stop!!!
Looks fun! My turn!!!

Full Body Sensory Immersion!

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Even our bitiest was delighted with mud and water full body sensory immersion.  Yes...that makes it sound so official!!  "Full body sensory immersion!"  I meant to do that!  

In all seriousness, it is so amazing to watch them having such a ball and be so content with water and dirt.  

It really drives home the point that all children need is a willing adult to allow them to engage in the activities that they are naturally drawn to anyway.  

I also love the quote, "There is no bad weather, simply bad clothing."  At least, for us today...everything was washable, children included!

There were no children harmed in the recording of this event!

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Notice the absence of girls here???  I did too.  I invited them and encouraged to play.  They weren't interested.  They were happy enough to play in the clean water at the water table, but not the mud.  

Chalk it up to the differences between boys and girls?  Maybe.  Maybe another day it will be the other way around?  Today it was all boy, all in, all HAPPY!  

There are some fantastic articles about the power of mud play and allowing children to engage. 

This one at Let The Children Play.com is specific to mud play and the scientific research behind why it's beneficial.

This one at Parenting Science.com has a TON of great curriculum ideas for mud and science! Heheheheh!!!!!

 I agree 1000%!  Nature play makes children happy.  It lifts moods while creating strong childhood memories.  I love that those memories are happening here, at Woolsey Academy!

I wish you well and I hope you get to play today.

-L
8 Comments
Cheryl Newton
7/11/2015 04:26:49 am

Totally awesome and I totally agree i remember playing in mud as a kid and I believe it is one of the reason i am not a screamish adult. i commend you.

Reply
LaDonna Woolsey link
7/11/2015 02:33:05 pm

Thank you, Cheryl! I do too!! I LOVED making mud pies. I had a great momma that didn't mind a messy kid!

Reply
Shannon Whitaker
7/11/2015 05:37:33 am

I love this idea and plan to use it with my 3 and 4 year olds this upcoming school year once the weather is right!

Reply
LaDonna Woolsey link
7/11/2015 02:34:46 pm

Thank you, Shannon! I am so glad your babes will be doing this too! I used to LOVE playing in the mud as a child and am so glad that I have a great group of preschool mommas and daddies that aren't afraid of messy play!

Reply
Lesley Otero
7/17/2015 11:14:52 am

This is totally awesome!!! Thank you for reminding us that there is so much that can be learned even while playing in the mud.

Reply
LaDonna Woolsey
7/17/2015 11:27:20 am

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! That is so encouraging!!! I agree.....the simplest things bring the most fun and education for little ones!

Reply
Sue Rouillard
7/21/2015 10:59:54 am

Kids need to be kids! Too many adults don't allow children to get muddy, wet, or dirty. Take a walk in the rain and splash in the puddles. It's only water! Dear adults, If you want your child(ren) to not only have fun, but also have a wonderful memory that will stay with them forever, release your inner child and get out there and play with them! Your children will talk about that day forever, and you will be surprised how good it will make you feel to let go and have fun!

Reply
LaDonna Woolsey
7/21/2015 11:55:15 am

Sue, I agree! They are so happy and engaged when they are able to be completely free to play without fear of soiled clothing or hands. I am so happy that I have not only a great and fun group of kiddos, but VERY supportive families that value the hard work of play!

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    I am a Mother Goose Time Blogger. I decided to become one after trying their products because I they are comprehensive and serve my mixed age group well.  I do receive products to review from Mother Goose Time and do so with my own honest and thorough opinions.  For more information, please contact me at Ladonna@woolseyacademy.com

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My husband and I both work full time and during the year 2011 we needed a child care provider for our five year old daughter and our 20 month old son. I am a Special Education Teacher for the Willard RII district in Missouri. I found LaDonna Woolsey on the internet while searching for a child care provider.  I had called numerous places and never felt comfortable with any of them to even make an appointment to meet them in person. I called LaDonna, and almost immediately after the conversation started, I felt a sense of relief and made an appointment to check out her daycare in person, the following day.  When I saw her facility I was absolutely amazed. LaDonna answered all of my nervous mom questions and watching her interact with the children made me realize I had found the perfect person to watch my children during the day. She started providing Child Care services for my children immediately... - Lisa Lassley - Special Education Teacher for the Willard RII 

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