This week the children have been engaging in lots and lots of messy play. They have been exploring gloop (cornflour + water). K noted it was “sticky” and E thought it was “cold.” Messy play is a great way to role model a range of descriptive words which will extend your child’s vocabulary.

The children were also exploring the properties of different “wet” and “dry” materials by mixing them together. They used porridge oats, dry peas, chocolate powder, water, shaving foam and er gels. This was another opportunity to extend vocabulary with E describing her mixture as “shiney”. This activity is also great for strengthening coordination and fine motor skills with the mixing and the use of spoons moving the ingredients from bowl to bowl.

The children also painted with their fingers and sponge tools. Painting with fingers is an important way to show children that they can mark make and convey information without tradition tools, i.e pens, pencils and crayons.