Some of you may already be aware that we have set up a Mud Kitchen in the nursery garden.
Here is some information to tell you exactly what it involves, the reasons for doing this, the benefits for the children and what you should expect!
What is a Mud Kitchen? There is little more important in our physical world than earth and water and they are truly intriguing things, especially when they interact. Mixing soil, water and a range of other natural materials has a foundational role in early childhood which has deep importance and endless possibilities for well-being, development and learning. The breadth and depth of what these experiences offer young children are truly remarkable.
Mud kitchens provide something quite different to a soil digging patch, whilst also being much more easily managed. A mud kitchen includes elements of the much-loved role play (house corner) and baking activity in indoor play, which are then hugely enriched through the nature of being outside. We are planning that the mud kitchen will become a core element of our continuous provision outside.
To allow the children the freedom to play, explore and learn to their full potential in the mud kitchen it is really important that children are encouraged to feel the textures of the materials with their fingers, transfer liquids from one container to another to, splash, slop, stir and whizz. To create sticky mud and explore its adaptations. This will be an all year/weather round activity developing different concepts of wet, dry, warm, cold, heavy, light etc.
This means the children themselves will potentially be muddy. The children will be wearing Older child/adult-sized shirts, to protect their clothing, provided by the nursery. However, it will still be necessary for every child to have a change of clothing with them each day. If you require your child to be clean when leaving nursery, please bring further spare clothes with your child. Of course, the children will be washing their hands with warm soapy water once they have finished in the Mud Kitchen. It would be very helpful if you could ensure your child’s nails are kept short.
