10
NPCC
The upside of messes!
G
etting messy is an essential part of
children’s early childhood development
and learning. It’s true! Many of us were raised
being told, “don’t make a mess”, but here at
NPCC we are both allowing and encouraging
children to do just that. Enabling children to explore in ways
that are messy allows them to build, imagine, experience,
investigate, create, observe, and predict. Here are a few reasons
we encourage our children to get messy:
1. It focuses on the process, not product and enhances the use
of their senses. Sensory play engages children in ways that keep
them present; it often results in soothing play. Best of all, when
messy activities trigger more senses, children are more likely to
internalize what they have learned.
2. It fosters natural curiosities and teaches cause and effect.
Messy art and messy play lets children experiment with cause
and effect. What happens when I turn my paint cup upside
down? How high can I make this puddle splash?
3. It encourages a positive attitude to new experiences and
inspires open-ended thinking. Encountering play that is open-
ended gives children the chance to think without boundaries,
and perhaps even take some risks. What better way to prepare
our children for our ever shifting and evolving world?
4. It teaches our children (and reminds us!) foundational lessons
about grace. Our mistakes and messes are met with love and
encouragement, not judgment or punishment. The goal is to
learn and to grow, not to avoid the messes that are an inevitable
part of being human and being in relationship.
Messy play works the brain in ways that simple crafts and
mindless toys don’t. Plus, let’s face it, messy play is a whole lot
of fun!
Peace and Joy,
Beth Aparicio
Director of NPCC
