Mud, Mud Glorious Mud – 7 Reasons Why Children Should Play With Mud

Rain, wind or shine, we all know that children gain enormous benefits from learning outdoors.

At Designs For Education we believe our Mud Kitchen is one of the best recipes for engaging children in messy, active, outdoor learning!

Below are our top 7 reasons why children should be playing with mud

7 Reasons Why Children Should Play With Mud

1. Playing in the mud can make you happier

Scientists have discovered something that children have always known – playing in the mud can lift your mood. Studies revealed that dirt contains microscopic bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae, which increases the levels of serotonin in our brains.

2. Playing in the mud connects you with nature

Getting children outside to play creates happy memories with the one most primal element in our world: nature.

3. Playing in the mud can make you smarter

Studies have found that playing in the dirt can make you smarter. The same release of serotonin that occurs when playing in mud (Mycobacterium vaccae) has also been shown to improve cognitive function.

4. Playing in the mud helps children to learn and develop

Sensory, hands-on play feeds children’s brains. Playing with mud is a delightfully sensory experience for children.

5. Playing in the mud encourages creative thinking

Playing with open-ended materials like mud stimulate creativity and imagination – things that are hard to jump start later in life.

6. Playing in the mud can make you healthier

Step away from the antibacterial hand gel!. Research has shown that playing in the dirt – including very wet dirt – is good for a child’s immune system.

7. Childhood memories

Think back to your own childhood. Do you have happy memories of playing outside in the mud and the dirt? After all, who doesn’t enjoy making a mud pie?!

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