How this product aligns with the EYLF

Promoting connection with the natural world
The Willow Messy Play Station encourages children to engage with natural materials and explore sensory experiences outdoors. By providing a space for messy play, it fosters curiosity about the environment, allowing children to connect with nature through hands-on exploration and experimentation.

Supporting play-based learning and inquiry
This product facilitates collaborative play, enabling multiple children to engage in inquiry-based learning together. As they explore different textures and materials within the stainless steel bowls, children can ask questions, share ideas, and develop their understanding of the world around them through active participation.

Relevant EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.

Classroom, Play Activity & Provocation Ideas

Classroom & Learning Area Ideas
Set up the Willow Messy Play Station in an outdoor learning area to create a dedicated space for sensory exploration with natural materials. Incorporate various items such as sand, water, leaves, and flowers to invite children to investigate and experiment.

Play-Based Activity Ideas
Encourage children to create their own sensory mixtures using different materials in the bowls, promoting exploration and creativity. Organise a collaborative art project where children use natural items collected from the environment to create patterns or textures in the bowls.

Provocation Ideas
Introduce a theme of “nature exploration” by providing magnifying glasses and natural items for children to examine in the bowls, fostering inquiry and observation skills. Use the station to facilitate storytelling sessions where children can use the materials to act out stories or create narratives based on their experiences.