3:4 Embrace Open Ended Play and Explorationx

Mud is a fabulous medium for exploration and discovery for children. The Mud Kitchen invites children to become scientists, cooks, entrepreneurs, and artists. Have you ever thought about what would happen if every outdoor classroom included a Mud Kitchen and all parents, families, teachers, and communities embraced and valued Mud as a teaching tool? Children just might navigate their world feeling the freedom to get dirty and explore without hesitation! Do you know mud can make you happier? Mud Play connects children to nature and Playing in Mud has health benefits.

Welcome to More than Mud Pies: Making a Mud Kitchen Module 3-4. In this course, you will be exploring all the elements for making your own one-of-a-kind Mud Kitchen. If you have any questions, leave a comment below or email me a victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com. If you would like to connect with other Mud Kitchen enthusiasts, check out our CIRCLE Membership.

Objectives:

• Explore and Observe Open-Ended Play in your Mud Kitchen
• Learn from Observing other programs with Mud Kitchens

Session Checklist:

• Watch Video: Kids and Open-Ended Play
• Write a Reflection
• Share a story or an activity that you introduced in your Mud Kitchen

Kids & Open-Ended Play. A Case Study: SHED Program in Andover, MA

YOUR NEXT STEPS:

WRITE a Reflection in your Visual Journal

WRITE a Comment and earn a Participation Certification

• Did you introduce a new loose part to your Mud Kitchen that prompted new explorative play?