Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Begin by showing the child the containers of soil and water. Encourage them to touch and feel the soil, describing its texture and asking questions like, ‘How does the soil feel in your hands?’
Step 2Advise the child that they will be creating mud paint and investigating what happens to the soil when it gets wet. Before getting started, ask the child, ‘What do you think will happen when soil gets wet?’
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Help the child mix water with the dry soil in a container to create mud paint. Demonstrate how water changes the texture of the soil, making it stickier and smoother. Let the child feel the difference between dry and wet soil.
Step 2Allow the child to explore the wet soil with their hands, adding more water if desired to achieve different consistencies of mud. Discuss with them how the texture changes as more water is added. Make sure the child washes their hands after playing with the soil.
Step 3Provide paintbrushes and guide the child to use the mud paint to create art on outdoor surfaces like a footpath, or alternatively on large sheets of paper. Encourage them to experiment with brush strokes and different textures they can create with the mud paint.
Step 4After the child has finished creating art with the mud paint, reflect on the activity together. Discuss questions such as:
- How did the soil feel when it was dry compared to when it became wet?
- What did you notice about the texture of the mud paint as you added more water?
- What was your favorite part about making art with mud paint?
- Did you notice any differences in how the mud paint looked on different surfaces?
- How do you think water affects soil and its ability to stick together?
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Compile photos, drawings, and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what was learned and enjoyed.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Play
For a follow-up activity, consider experimenting with different types of soil, such as clay and sand, to highlight the variations in texture and water absorbency between these soil types. Encourage the child to observe how each type of soil interacts with water and use this knowledge to create various types of mud for play or artistic creation.
Encourage imaginative play using clothes, toys or props related to the concept and let them role-play scenarios that reinforce their understanding.
Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.
Sing songs (known or made up) and encourage dancing or movement in ways that explore or mimic the concepts being explored.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.