Combining a rich theoretical foundation with practical tips, advice and case studies, Messy Play in the Early Years provides an informative and practical exploration of the unique qualities, characteristics and learning possibilities of messy play. Packed with valuable insights from research and theory, along with practitioner’s experiences, this accessible book will bolster readers’ understanding and appreciation of messy play and demonstrate how a range of material engagements can enhance young children’s development and learning. Exploring an array of resources and a broad spectrum of approaches, including adult-and child-led inquiry, chapters consider how the specific sensory qualities of materials encourage problem-solving, scientific thinking, creativity, self-regulation and self-expression as children discover and make sense of new phenomena. With examples of international practice and reflective questions throughout, the book highlights a variety of approaches to meeting differing time, space and budgetary needs, simplifies preparation and planning, and empowers practitioners and children to understand and use messy play effectively. An essential guidebook to supporting an engaging and rewarding journey into messy play, Messy Play in the Early Years will be an invaluable resource for early years students, practitioners and parents looking to understand and enhance children’s learning possibilities.

Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of the way in which children develop sensory awareness. Fun with Messy Play is an exciting activity book that heightens the sensory perception of children with special needs through the imaginative use of everyday `messy' materials like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly or glue. The activities in this book are fun for children and help to improve their co-ordination, communicative and cognitive abilities, as well as their self-esteem and social skills. Each exercise focuses the child on a movement or sensation that they will later be able to apply to everyday life. By allowing children to explore their senses while having fun, messy play provides a relaxing therapy that encourages sensory responsiveness without placing stressful expectations on the child. This is an easy-to-use, practical resource for parents and professionals. It includes ideas and examples from practitioners along with helpful suggestions for different types of equipment that can be used.

Explore taste-safe small worlds, create colorful pieces of art, and engage all five senses while investigating the great outdoors. Sensory play is a wonderful way to explore the world with your little learners! Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers is a practical, hands-on guide for parents and educators who want to inject more play into their children's day! Since this collection features simple sensory play ideas with items you already have in your home, playtime has never been easier. Inside the book, you’ll find forty easy sensory play tubs and activities with extra bonus ideas for extending the activities even further! Not only will your child be learning and exploring through play, but you’ll also be creating some magical memories of playtime that will last a lifetime! Learn how to get started with sensory play using tips, tricks, and sensory play staples. Follow quick and easy, tried and tested sensory base recipes designed to ignite the senses and inspire hours of sometimes messy, always memorable playtime. Create thoughtful sensory invitations and artworks while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, early measurement concepts and so much more! Sensory play allows our little learners to make connections as they explore the world around them using their senses of sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of scientific understanding and a wonderful way to connect and bond with your little learners! Projects include: Rainbow Rice Cloud Dough Sand Foam Edible Mud Water Tub Rainbow Spaghetti Frozen Building Blocks Outdoor Kitchen Jell-O Bug Rescue Bubble Wrap Paintings and more!

There are lots of different people in the world and all of them are different. "We are all different. We are all friends!" There's no one quite like you. What makes you special? Download the full eBook and explore supporting teaching materials at www.twinkl.com/originals Join Twinkl Book Club to receive printed story books every half-term at www.twinkl.co.uk/book-club (UK only).

Sensory Play draws upon current research findings and observations to present an informative and practical guide to maximising children's sensory play opportunities. This guide enables practitioners to understand the values and benefits of sensory play, incorporating case studies and current research findings to make practical links to the EYFS. Sensory play is set within a wider context, highlighting links to child development theories. This title explains how sensory play can be a valuable tool in delivering curriculum outcomes in a wide variety of settings.

Get messy with this collection of unusual ideas for creative play and exploration. These activities are REALLY messy, but great fun!