These days, we often find ourselves a bit wet and muddy after time spent on our playground; but what's more is that we've also had some pretty epic adventures along the way, adventures that set the stage for ongoing learning and development.
Getting wet and muddy is a natural and expected part of springtime in Vermont. We believe playing in the varied and ever-changing elements of the outdoors is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children, and not just because it's really fun. There is a wealth of research in the field that documents not only the benefits of active, nature-based play, but specifically, play that involves getting muddy, sandy, wet, and just plain dirty.
Here's a few things we know about playin' in the mud!
1. It can benefit a child's physical health: In a 2012 report by the National Wildlife Federation called "The Dirt on Dirt, How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids," researchers found that playing in the dirt can boost children's immunity and build healthier cardiovascular systems. "Dirt is good. If your child isn't coming in dirty every day, they're not doing their job. They're not building their immunological army. So it's terribly important," states Dr. Mary Ruebush, an immunologist and author of the book Why Dirt Is Good. Additionally, dirt, says a Northwestern University
study, is good for childrens’ cardiovascular
health. Analyzing data collected from
thousands of children over two decades,
researchers have concluded that when
children are exposed to germs and
pathogens during childhood their risk of
cardiovascular inflammation in adulthood,
a precursor to heart attacks and strokes,
is reduced (NWF, Dirt on Dirt, 5). At a very basic level, there is plenty of evidence that suggests the innumerable health benefits of this type of play.
2. It provides diverse sensory opportunities: As we've mentioned before here in the newsletter, young children learn with their senses. And experiencing the varying degrees of mud: wet, slimy, squishy, cold, warm, bubbly...we could go on and on...is a real sensory delight.
3. There's no right or wrong way to play in the mud: The mud is and can be anything. From mud pies, to small river cities, the possibilities are endless. When we provide children with an unfettered medium in which to create, their imaginations are truly allowed to run wild. This is the stuff that fosters creativity and problem solving.
4. It's joyful! Spending an afternoon watching children play and explore in the mud is certainly a way to observe some of the emotional benefits, and we invite parents and families to spend time with us outdoors, and even get a little muddy themselves! In fact, "making direct contact with soil, whether through gardening,
digging for worms, or making mud pies has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and facilitate learning" (NWF, Dirt on Dirt, 6).
For more information on the benefits of messy, muddy play take a gander at this list of resources:
Full text of Ithaca, NY native, natural play space designer and author Rusty Keeler's experience with mud at a preschool in Whangarei, New Zealand.*
Being Prepared for the Mess of Mud...
We know that at the end of a workday, it can feel a little exhausting to pick up a muddy, wet child, and then attend to the soiled clothing. We understand this, and empathize. We hope however, that with the right gear and a little pre-planning, the kids can get muddy to their heart's content, without giving their families additional hassle.
For these reasons, we recommend the following waterproof options for outdoor play:
1. Tuffo Suits, the "Muddy Buddy" model is one to check out. You can also find these on Amazon at varied price points.
2. Oakiwear, lots of choices! AND, Sarah has recently arranged a partnership with them. Enter coupon code outdoorschool at checkout for 15% off
2. Oakiwear, lots of choices! AND, Sarah has recently arranged a partnership with them. Enter coupon code outdoorschool at checkout for 15% off
5. Puddlegear. Lots of waterproof varieties.
6. Perhaps consider Rain Mittens. We've experienced some cold hands this week, mainly because regular winter mittens absorb the moisture. If you're not in the market for new mittens, send multiples along, so teachers can bring them out to playground and change them once they are wet.
7. A pair of rubber rain boots, many options available locally and online.
You'll find that on the colder days, we will put on the children's snow clothes with a Tuffo over the top, so sizing up is a good thing, as is continuing to send warm winter layers.
Additionally, send extra clothing, including multiple pairs of warm socks. Even though the above options are great, the chances are high that a little water/mud might sneak in. In cases of wet feet, we do change socks mid-way through our outside time to ensure the kids are warm, comfy and can get back to playtime.
And a final note, please take home wet and muddy clothing to be washed and/or dried and bring it back the next day. We know this is an additional step in your already busy day, however, we are simply not able to launder the clothing of 45 children given the constraints of time, capacity, and energy costs. We truly appreciate your understanding on this, and hopefully, the use of Tuffos will mitigate extra laundry loads for you.
Play on!
Play on!
A Note on Muddy Babies
For the youngest children at our school, our hope is to make it outdoors as much as possible, but, we do have a few more unique constraints that can prevent us from getting outdoors at times.
In the earliest few months of life, the emphasis in the classroom is placed on establishing routines. Many of the smallest babies are currently working to get into the flow of consistent eating and sleeping routines. Above all, we want to avoid rushing the infants, and provide them with comfort to ensure their needs are met. When a trip outdoors does not interfere with the work of routine building, then the infants head outdoors for as long as they can.
As many of the infants have limited mobility, and tend to stay put outdoors, there is also the challenge of keeping them dry. When placed on the wet ground, their snowsuits can sop up a lot of wetness, and we especially want to avoid this.
When we are outside, you may notice the infants will nap outdoors, and this is something that is completely appropriate and safe given their age.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the infants are outdoors for as much of the day as possible, and as their schedules become more predictable, the ground dries and it gets warmer, you can expect more and more outdoor time.
Classroom Happenings
Infant I: We had some nice time outdoors this week and the babies enjoyed the fresh air and even got in a few winks outside, what a treat. We have new climbing furniture in the room to accommodate the babies who are on the move.
Infant II: This week brought us warm temps and muddy, messy and (so much fun!) outdoor play! The kids were excited to play in the mud and explore the different textures and consistencies. The melting snow gave way to forgotten beloved outdoor toys and the kids were very happy to re-discover them. Exploring a small river that had formed on the playground was of much interest and we can't wait to see what next week holds.
Toddler I: Thanks to parents for sending those Tuffos! The children are excited for spring and the warmth of the outdoors. Inside we have new plastic dinos, and we have been naming each of them and discussing if they are plant-eaters, meat-eaters, or both. Then we have been talking about the foods we eat in relation to the dinosaurs.
Toddler II: We've been practicing putting on and taking off all of our layers and waterproof clothing, and we are getting better and better at this each day. We focused a lot this week on spring and all of the signs of spring. We see the grass coming out and can connect it to the temperature being warmer. The teachers have also noticed a lot of polite and kind behavior: please/thanks yous, helping with the classroom tasks, etc., without being prompted.
Pre-K: This week's library time was much improved. It was kind, and respectful, and we'll be looking forward to picking out books next week. On the topic of respect, we continue to have discussions on this theme, emphasizing what respect looks and sounds like. We have also been exploring our changing outdoor environment and have observed a lot of differences over the past week, thanks to warmer weather.
Thanks for Reading
Yours in the mud, Sam