Activity
Set out bowls, spoons, and pitchers of water for kids to mix with dirt and create mud recipes. Have children tell you what goes into their recipes: How many rocks? Scoops of water? Leaves? You can even write them down!
Materials
If purchasing soil for children to play in, make sure there are no hazardous chemicals or fertilizers included in the mixture (organic potting mixtures or loamy topsoil are usually good options, but always read the list of ingredients). Other useful materials include:
- Metal mixing bowls
- Pots and pans
- Kitchen utensils (whisks, slotted spoons, ladles)
- Natural items (sticks, leaves, grass, herbs, flowers)
Skill Building
Digging, scooping, and stirring build coordination and strengthen muscles needed for handwriting, putting on pants and shoes, and reading. Crossing the midline of the body supports brain development, and playing in dirt helps boost the immune system.
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