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Play to Z Ltd

Messy Play Materials

Messy Play Materials 

An obvious starting point is thinking about the types of messy play materials to offer. When we think of messy materials we tend to instantly picture really messy materials like gloop and Gelli Baff/Gelli Play. In fact this is only the tip of the iceberg, as Messy play in the Early Years explores, there is a continuum of responses from wet and sticky to dry, and picking which resources you start with can be key to success!

Dry Textures

If the idea of messy play fills you with apprehension or dread then starting with dry textures should help minimise mess and provide a less stressful introduction to the wonders of messy play as these materials are not wet or sticky.

Examples of dry textures include: Sand, dried rice, dried pasta, shredded paper, shells, dried orange slices, pea shingle, leaves and dried porridge oats. 

When choosing from the materials listed below, remember that a selection of all three textures is likely to offer children the greatest play and learning opportunities.

In-between Textures

For children and adults who are tactile defensive and therefore struggle to touch wet sticky materials, in-between textures, basically materials which although not dry do not stick to skin, can enable them to explore materials.

Examples of in-between textures include: Playdough, clay, water beads, water, ice and kinetic sand.

Wet and Sticky Textures

These are the types of materials that tend to come to mind when we hear the words messy play. For some people the opportunity to explore wet and sticky materials fills them with excitement and joy, but for many this can something to avoid.

Examples of wet and sticky textures include: Shaving foam, gloop, slime, Gelli Play/Gelli Baff, yoghurt and wet sand. 

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