SPLASH OF COLOUR: Samuel, Charlotte and Olivia Eather with mum Jodie and their messy creation. Photos: Geoff O’Neill 260912GOA01
CLEAN mud, shaving cream and spaghetti painting were decorations for the walls at the Jumbuck Cottage yesterday as they held a messy play day for young kids.
The day was organised by Tamworth Family Support Service playgroup co-ordinator Kim Smart.
It was attended by 43 willing participants aged from one to 11 and their not-so-willing parents.
Food colour, fabric dye, paint, spaghetti, beans, salt, shaving cream and clean mud which is a mixture of toilet paper, soap flakes and water were enthusiastically spread around the room and on equipment, kids, staff and parents.
"Children learn best through experimenting and sensory experience it is crucial to their development," Mrs Smart said.
Although the day was mostly about the mess it was also educational, with children learning and improving their motor skills and co-ordination, as well as exploring the ideas of sharing, co-operation and problem-solving.
The children also worked on their maths skills when they mixed dye with sand, and salt with foods, and communications when they were asked to explain what they had concocted.
"The day was a very messy but a great success, and more are being planned for the future," Mrs Smart said.