Combining a rich theoretical foundation with practical tips, advice and case studies, Messy Play in the Early Years provides an informative and practical exploration of the unique qualities, characteristics and learning possibilities of messy play. Packed with valuable insights from research and theory, along with practitioner's experiences, this accessible book will bolster readers' understanding and appreciation of messy play and demonstrate how a range of material engagements can enhance young children's development and learning. Exploring an array of resources and a broad spectrum of approaches, including adult-and child-led inquiry, chapters consider how the specific sensory qualities of materials encourage problem-solving, scientific thinking, creativity, self-regulation and self-expression as children discover and make sense of new phenomena. With examples of international practice and reflective questions throughout, the book highlights a variety of approaches to meeting differing time, space and budgetary needs, simplifies preparation and planning, and empowers practitioners and children to understand and use messy play effectively. An essential guidebook to supporting an engaging and rewarding journey into messy play, Messy Play in the Early Years will be an invaluable resource for early years students, practitioners and parents looking to understand and enhance children's learning possibilities.

_______________ The 50 Fantastic Ideas series is packed full of fun, original, skills-based activities for Early Years practitioners to use with children aged 0-5. Each activity features step-by-step guidance, a list of resources, and a detailed explanation of the skills children will learn. Creative, simple, and highly effective, this series is a must-have for every Early Years setting. A quality well-made treasure basket offers children a wealth of exploration, play and learning opportunities that are not only great fun, but also match the requirements of the EYFS framework. Drawing on her years of experience and extensive knowledge of children's interaction, author and practitioner Sue Gascoyne provides 50 effective and fun ways to engage children in sensory-rich treasures that offer 'a world in a basket'. 50 Fantastic Ideas for Treasure Baskets includes the child-led stages of treasure basket play using the author's original Sensory Play Continuum as a framework, as well as adult-initiated activities for using treasure baskets with children. Its simple format supports practitioners, and ultimately the children in their care, in getting the most out of this amazing resource.

Combining a rich theoretical foundation with practical tips, advice and case studies, Messy Play in the Early Years provides an informative and practical exploration of the unique qualities, characteristics and learning possibilities of messy play. Packed with valuable insights from research and theory, along with practitioner's experiences, this accessible book will bolster readers' understanding and appreciation of messy play and demonstrate how a range of material engagements can enhance young children's development and learning. Exploring an array of resources and a broad spectrum of approaches, including adult-and child-led inquiry, chapters consider how the specific sensory qualities of materials encourage problem-solving, scientific thinking, creativity, self-regulation and self-expression as children discover and make sense of new phenomena. With examples of international practice and reflective questions throughout, the book highlights a variety of approaches to meeting differing time, space and budgetary needs, simplifies preparation and planning, and empowers practitioners and children to understand and use messy play effectively. An essential guidebook to supporting an engaging and rewarding journey into messy play, Messy Play in the Early Years will be an invaluable resource for early years students, practitioners and parents looking to understand and enhance children's learning possibilities.