Since we had so much rain the last few days, our playground was filled with water and mud. The toddlers were excited to go explore how the rain transformed our playground. They were eager to go splash and get messy!
Our toddlers were quick to go run outside and go observe the puddles that have formed from the rain. As they approached the puddles, the toddlers were quick to smile and start walking through them. They started off with small steps before taking big steps to make the water splash up and all around them! Some of the toddlers wanted to take off their shoes and explore the mud through sensory.
A few of the toddlers were standing by the sand table and saw that the water was collected in the buckets. They started to touch the water with their hands, before looking and exploring for toys they could use in the water. Mackenzie was touching the water when he said, “The water cold!!” As he shook his hand to get the water off. He looked around in the sand pit and saw a shovel, he went over and grabbed it. He then walked back to the water and began to use the shovel in the water as he created big splashes!
While exploring in the mud and the water, it helps the toddlers develop many different skills that aid them in their everyday exploration and engagement in program. Mud and water play lets children get messy and explore different senses as well as use their imagination. They can explore the textures, the smell, and as well as their sight since mud and water can look different in different areas of the playground. Mud and water play also help the toddlers gross motor skills as they are running and jumping through the puddles!
We hope to get more rain to let the toddlers explore the mud and water! As educators, we love to see the toddlers enhance their own learning through the environment! It lets them lead their own play and lets them grow their imagination further!
