Let's Explore some exciting new materials for expanding and diversifying your mud kitchen in your backyard or child care program! Mud kitchens are a fantastic way for children to engage in imaginative and sensory play. Not only are they fun, but they also provide a range of developmental benefits for young children. Our previous post explored the basics of setting up a mud kitchen (find that information here). In this post, we will share with you some new exciting materials to add to your mud kitchen to take it to the next level! From pots and pans to natural materials for decorating, we've got you covered. Let's get cooking (or should we say mud cooking!)
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We will explore the first type of material, Which is permanent fixtures for your mud kitchen. Reusable items that will add depth, and new types of exploration while you play. For Example, these Metal Snack Bowls will up your all-season mud kitchen play. Metal doesn't degrade the same in cold, or with light like plastic buckets, bowls and other dishes might. Mud Kitchen play can be hard on the materials and metal materials are significantly more sustainable
We also love adding materials that allow children to mush, mash, crush and transform what they are working with, in the mud kitchen. These Small Wooden Hammers allow children to mush and mash a variety of natural materials from pinecones, chalk, and flowers to mud and rocks! We also love using a lightweight Bamboo Mortar and Pestle to grind and crush various materials.
Other permanent items in your mud kitchen that help take your mud kitchen play up a notch might include items that support motor development. Such as these Metal Tongs (plastic tongs will quickly degrade and break) or a Turkey Baster. Other permanent items that will level up your mud kitchen game include novelty or seasonal items such as Shaped Cake Pans, Donut Pans, or other unique baking or kitchen finds.
You can also score lots of cake pans, muffin tins, and other novelty items from thrift stores! I also encourage everyone to ask around with friends and family members looking to declutter their kitchens and trying to purchase second-hand before opting to buy new from our links.
In conclusion, incorporating new or different mud kitchen materials into your outdoor play space will provide endless imaginative and sensory play opportunities. Not only are they fun for children, but they also have numerous developmental benefits. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to take your mud kitchen play to the next level and get creative with the little ones in your life. So don't be afraid to get messy and have some fun – it's all part of the experience!
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