Forget a sand pit.
Children have been making the most of a mud pit at Guardian Early Learning Centre Caringbah.
Centre manager Hannah Barnett said they had an art station and a mud pit on site, as well as a sand pit, and encouraged the children to use their imaginations while playing in the mud or painting with their hands.
She said it was all based on a messy play strategy.
“Essentially it is guided by the children to explore different materials and textures and add a real sensory feel to their learning.”
She said the centre was built on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning, which encourages children to make decisions and direct their own learning.
“Basically it gives them the choice to make decisions for themselves rather than follow others.”
While it can cause a big mess, she said the children really enjoyed the messy learning activities.
The centre can cater for up to 120 children.