Mud Kitchen Crafts: 60 Awesome Ideas for Epic Outdoor Play
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Entertain young children for hours with innovative and creative activities that all use one free, natural, kid-approved material - mud! Sophie Pickles, founder of the blog Sophie Pickles, is here to usher in a new era of playtime with mud kitchens: an outdoor area perfect for art projects, games, imaginary play and experiments that use mud and other natural supplies to get kids away from screens, engaging with their senses. With such a unique, fun and natural approach to STEAM and sensory play, kids of all ages will fall in love with the endless possibilities in their mud kitchen. This book contains 60 photos and 60 projects.
Age
2-7
Length
152 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite craft from the book and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think working on these crafts might change the way you play outside?
Can you think of a new craft idea inspired by the book that you’d like to try?
How do you feel when you create something with your own hands?
What materials would you like to explore more in your next outdoor craft?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite project in detail which can enhance their communication skills.
Discuss the importance of outdoor play and how it differs from indoor activities.
Ask your child to elaborate on their custom craft ideas, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
While discussing the book, relate the crafts to personal family experiences of outdoor play or past crafting sessions to make it more relatable.
Compliment the creativity and effort your child shows while discussing or planning crafts, which boosts their confidence and enthusiasm for such activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The book provides various outdoor activities that encourage children to use natural materials to create new projects, fostering a sense of innovation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in school projects or while playing with friends, enhancing their ability to think outside the box and develop unique solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Outdoor Play
Explanation: Through engaging in the fun and hands-on activities suggested, children learn the value of spending time outdoors, contributing to their physical and mental health.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to choose outdoor activities over screen time, promoting healthier lifestyle choices from a young age.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Many activities in the book are designed for group participation, teaching children how to work effectively in teams and respect others' ideas.
Real-World Application: These teamwork skills are directly transferable to school group projects and even in family activities, enhancing their social interactions and cooperative abilities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The outdoor play ideas often present challenges that require children to think critically and solve problems, from designing a structure to following complex instructions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply problem-solving skills in various aspects of their lives, such as in academic challenges or in overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Activities involve using natural elements responsibly and creatively, instilling a respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop eco-friendly habits, such as recycling and conservation, crucial for their future interactions with the world.