Mud play is an important part of early childhood education, but it is often underused, due to educators’ limiting beliefs, parents’ attitudes or lack of prepared environments. Mud play offers rich opportunities for children to explore, create, and connect. Whether it’s through digging, sculpting, or making “mud pies,” mud play fosters sensory play, encourages nature play, and supports holistic development. For early childhood educators and students, integrating mud play into daily practice aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and supports children’s connection to Country, particularly when reflecting on the knowledge and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Mud Play as Sensory and Nature Play
Mud play engages children in sensory play, stimulating their sense of touch, sight, and even smell. When children squish mud between their fingers, pour water into dirt, or sculpt shapes, they engage in sensory-rich experiences that promote neural connections and fine motor skills. Research highlights that sensory play supports children’s self-regulation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities (Menezes, 2022).
Beyond sensory benefits, mud play encourages nature play, fostering a connection with the outdoors. As they interact with natural elements, children develop an appreciation for the environment and a sense of stewardship. This is particularly significant in the Australian context, where learning about and connecting to nature ties deeply to the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, who have cared for the land for tens of thousands of years. Mud play can be a way to foster a connection to Country, promoting respect for land and culture.
Cultural Significance: Linking Mud Play to Connection to Country
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the land is not just a physical space but a living entity that holds stories, knowledge, and relationships. Mud play can serve as a bridge for children to explore and respect these ideas. Through mud play, educators can incorporate lessons about how natural resources are used sustainably and meaningfully by First Nations Peoples. For example, children can explore how mud has been traditionally used in art, construction, or healing practices.
Embedding mud play within a framework of connection to Country aligns with Outcome 2 of the EYLF, which emphasises that children are connected to and contribute to their world (Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2022). By engaging in activities such as creating mud paintings inspired by traditional art forms or storytelling about the land, children develop respect and a sense of belonging to the natural world.
Educational and Developmental Benefits of Mud Play
Mud play offers wide-ranging educational and developmental benefits for children in their early years. It promotes creativity and imagination as children experiment and express themselves freely through moulding shapes, creating imaginary worlds, or collaborating on building projects. These activities encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills. I watched children playing in the mud pit for hours.
Mud play also supports physical development. Digging, scooping, and pouring strengthen children’s hand-eye coordination and muscles, while repetitive movements build fine and gross motor skills.
Social skills are enhanced as children often engage in collaborative mud play. Sharing tools, discussing ideas, and working together naturally build communication and cooperation.
Mud play also has emotional benefits. It can help children regulate their emotions as they enjoy the soothing, tactile experience of mud. Research suggests that contact with natural elements like mud can reduce stress and anxiety (Goel & Bhardawaj, 2014).
Finally, mud play enhances understanding of science and sustainability. Children observe how water and soil mix and explore basic science concepts. Educators can extend this learning by discussing the role of soil in ecosystems and the importance of caring for the Earth.
Practical Strategies for Early Childhood Educators
So … what should you do to integrate mud play into early learning settings? It doesn’t require extensive resources, but it does require planning and a positive mindset. Creating a dedicated mud play area equipped with tools like buckets, shovels, and moulds can encourage children to explore and create freely. Including natural materials such as sticks, leaves, and stones can further enhance their play experiences.
Storytelling is a powerful way to enrich mud play. Educators can share Aboriginal Dreaming stories or create imaginative tales about the natural world to inspire children and deepen their connection to Country.
Highlighting the cultural significance of mud play is another effective strategy. Introduce activities that reflect traditional uses of mud and soil by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. For instance, educators can show children how ochre is prepared and used in cultural practices.
Embrace the messiness of mud play and foster positive attitudes among children and parents. And to do it – try it yourself!
You can also provide overalls, aprons, gumboots and a designated clean-up area that can make mud play both manageable and enjoyable for everyone.
Linking mud play to EYLF outcomes ensures it becomes a meaningful part of the curriculum. For example, mud play supports children’s confidence as learners (Outcome 4) and helps them connect to and contribute to their world (Outcome 2).
Overcoming Barriers to Mud Play
Some educators and parents may worry about hygiene or the messiness of mud play. These concerns can be addressed through clear communication and effective strategies. Teaching children hygiene practices, such as washing their hands thoroughly after mud play, and ensuring the mud area is clean and safe can alleviate concerns.
Parental education is equally important. Sharing research-backed benefits of mud play, such as its positive impact on creativity, resilience, and even immunity (Goel & Bhardawaj, 2014), can help parents understand its value and support its inclusion in early learning settings.
I hope you are convinced! Mud play is more than just messy fun—it is a powerful tool for learning, development, and cultural connection. For early childhood educators, embracing mud play means providing children with rich sensory and nature play experiences that support the EYLF’s goals and foster connection to Country. By weaving mud play into their daily practice, educators can create meaningful, engaging, and culturally respectful learning environments.
References
Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. (2022). Belonging, being, and becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Version 2.0).
Goel, S., & Bhardawaj, A. (2014). A study of environmental and health benefits of mud and clay.
Menezes, A. M. (2022). Reflections on the art of muddy play: The mud kitchen.
