A large tub filled with water, floating fruit slices and coloured spaghetti sounds so simple, but that is exactly what it should be for little ones, Alex Navarra says.
This is uncomplicated fun that actually gives children an outlet to be creative while learning vital development skills.
The owner of Messy Little Mates, a new sensory playgroup at Oatley, is giving children the opportunity to learn through making a mess - without having to clean up at your own home.
Through tactile exploration, children between the ages of nine months and four years gather for group sessions, where they embrace being as messy as possible.
For 45 minutes to one hour during each week in the school term, children are exposed to several sensory play stations.
Children paint, use foam, sand, slime and edible mud, and there's not an iPad screen to be seen. This is all about connecting children with traditional forms of play.
"From birth we use our senses to explore and make sense of the world around us. Babies and children do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing," Ms Navarra said.
"Encouraging children to use their senses through play can help build nerve connection in the brain's pathways and lead them to complete more complex learning, growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interaction and problem-solving skills.
"Our methods recruit a variety of textures, scents, ingredients and props which come together to create an overall stimulation and awareness of the core senses.
"The play stations are set up for uninstructed play for your child to explore, make friends and of course, get messy."
Sessions are held at Oatley Community Hall from 10.30am-11.30am on Thursdays.
A single play session costs $16.50 and a full term family package for two siblings is $155.
Bookings are essential and can be purchased on the website.
