Why Wet Play Day Should be Wet!

Parents are continually surprised to learn that their children’s time spent at school remains inside, why aren’t they given a wet play option? At Muddy Puddles we believe in a good splash and a bit of mud, and being in the right kit to do so. However our commitment to children’s well-being doesn’t stop at providing wellies and waterproofs for such occasions. We deliver an ethos, and believe strongly that children’s childhood should be back spent outside, this includes education. Putting on a DVD shouldn't at the first sight of rain shouldn't be the first thought!  As the Wildlife Trusts discovered within their ‘Every Child Wild’ campaign, over the last 40 years children have become increasingly separated from nature. From modern day distracting devices, to time spent in school, families and schools may find it difficult to step foot outside. Rain isn't an excuse to stay inside, wet play and outdoor learning is vital for children's development! But wait… what better classroom than the great outdoors itself? Maths doesn’t need to be taught from the safety of a whiteboard! Who said that a collection of stones couldn’t be a clock? Apart from the obvious benefits, it being free and easy to do, not to mention – fun, outdoor learning and wet play provides a number of other advantages compared to indoor.  Children love to race around, chase one another and once introduced to the outdoors, generally behave in a more active way. Teaching P.E or introducing an outdoor game provides teachers with a greater potential, a huge space for activity which can encourage exercise and lower obesity and increase general well-being. With easy access to nature children are more able to cope with stressful situations. Fewer distractions may occur outside therefore creating more time to think and process thoughts, which of course is vital whist learning and in education.  Students are healthier, happier, and more creative when working with the natural world. Nature breaks the tie between the pen the paper, children are presented with more possibilities of how to work and how to present it. Being outside can open their imaginations to a whole web of possibilities.  Learning in the wild can also help children to develop and advance relationships with family and friends. Let’s face it, children don’t always get along but having fun in the rain, being in touch with nature and working outside might encourage them to start! Forest Schools is very much a concept on the rise, with hundreds of schools taking the trip outside to develop outdoor learning and activities which can be done outside of the classroom.