“Something magical happens when we allow our kids to play in the mud,” says Liza Gardner Walsh, author of the new book, “Muddy Boots.”
I recently spoke with Walsh about her interest in outdoor education and why she thinks it’s imperative to encourage kids to muck it up in the mud. “Going outside and getting dirty is a quintessential part of childhood,” says Walsh. “It ignites a creative spirit, a sense of wonder and allows kids to just be kids.” So kick off your shoes, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some muddy good fun courtesy of Walsh.
Mud Monsters
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with these earthy creatures that make excellent pets provided they stay outdoors at all times.
You need:
Dirt
Water
Natural materials like sticks, flowers, rocks, grass, etc.
Directions:
Making a mud monster can be as simple or complicated as you like. Slowly combine dirt and water until you have a consistency that is firm and pliable.
Go on a walk or search your backyard for natural materials that can be used to give the monster facial features and personality such as three eyes (rocks), scaly skin (leaves) and long, skinny arms (sticks).
“Be sure to let your kids be as creative as they like,” says Walsh, “after all, when it comes to making mud monsters the world is literally at their fingertips.”
Magic Mud
Your kids will love watching this muddy concoction explode. “But be careful,” cautions Walsh, “this activity is so much fun, it can become habit forming.”
You need:
Dirt
Water
Big plastic container or bowl for mixing the mud
Large cake pan or pie tin
Baking soda
Powdered tempera paint or ground-up colored chalk
White vinegar
Measuring cup
Spoon
Directions:
Mix dirt and water in container until the consistency is slightly thicker than pudding.
Add in a cup or two of baking soda.
Pour mud mixture into cake pan or pie tin.
Sprinkle powdered paint on top of mixture (but don’t stir too much or the mud will absorb the colors and make them disappear). Slowly pour in white vinegar until the mud begins to bubble and erupt. Continue adding vinegar and more paint to see how the muddy colors change.
Mud Painting
This activity is inspired by the ancient Malian art of bogolanfini, also known as mud cloth. As the name indicates, bogolanfini are pieces of handmade cloth that are dyed with fermented mud and decorated with geometric patterns and motifs.
You need:
Canvas of your choice, such as a white t-shirt, pillow case or sheet
Dirt
Water
Black food coloring (optional)
Paint brushes
Directions:
Create your paint by mixing dirt and water together until you reach a consistency that is similar to tempera paint. To make your “paint” darker, add black food coloring.
Place your canvas on a flat surface and start painting. If you would like to incorporate the characteristics of an authentic bogolan cloth, divide your canvas into different sections and paint geometric patterns or motifs in each section.
Leave canvas outside to dry for 10-12 hours. Once the mud has set, rinse off excess mud with clear water to reveal your magical mud-stained design.
