Messy play

A big day at Playcentre today – lots of mess, paint, clay and excitement! The first event of note was some painting on a large roll of paper on the floor, using brushes, rollers, feet and vehicles (toy cars and the like). Isabelle really enjoyed layering the paint and painting “I”s. She was observed formally doing this, so we have some pictures and an analysis to add to her portfolio.

Next we made scones. This was the first time that I had initiated a cooking activity, although I have been involved in cooking many times before. I had by necessity done some pre-planning (buying ingredients, writing a recipe up and clipping it to an easel, sorting out what implements we needed etc). This sort of thing is why I really enjoy Playcentre. I find baking with the children at home really stressful. At Playcentre, they can make a mess, get the recipe “wrong” – and enjoy the whole process! Isabelle made a lovely, large scone that spread over the baking tray. Aidan emptied his first bowl of flour, baking powder and salt onto the table, then swept it with great flourishes onto the floor. His second bowl (sometime later) developed, with adult assistance, into a medium-sized, relatively regularly shaped scone. Both enjoyed eating their scones later in the day.

Later, we had a mass of ping pong balls released into the Playcentre, with much associated trajectory joy. Near to the end, I brought out the white clay, which was very sticky and wet. This developed into clay fingerpainting, with the addition of paint, and water from the waterplay trough.

I am tired out now, and looking forward to the weekend. Dinner is in the oven, the washing (from yesterday) is folded and away, and the dishes are washed. Small achievements maybe, it means I can do my blog without feeling as if I should be doing the housework instead. And tonight is my tv night – America’s Next Top Model!!! (shame, shame ;-) ).