Why We Love Mud

We love mud at CMP! From mud days to the mud kitchen, we love getting messy! But did you know that mud is not just for getting dirty?

Mud is an accessible sensory material that stimulates a child’s 5 senses. Feeling and listening to the mud when it is squished, seeing the different colors and textures, the smell of the earth, and yes, sometimes tasting the mud. Sensory play creates connections in the brain that increases thoughts, tasks, gross and fine motor skills.

Not only is mud a great sensory tool, it is actually great for children’s health. In an article titled Mud, Marvelous Mud! By Michelle Rupiper, she states “recent research has shown that dirt contains microscopic bacteria called Mycobacterium Vaccae which stimulates the immune system and increases the levels of serotonin in our brains, an endorphin that soothes, calms, and helps us to relax.”

Mud is an all-inclusive tool that is open for all children who are at different developmental stages and meets the needs of all children. When children play together in mud they are practicing numerous social skills such as communication, sharing, working together, and negotiation. Mud is an open-ended material which can be used to teach math, science, and art. Children measure mud ingredients to make mud pies,  build sculptures, mix water and sand, dig, paint, or just have fun.

So next time your child wants to play in the mud, embrace the mess and know that you are allowing them to boost their confidence, immune system, and development while having fun.