Porridge Oats...

Simple but so effective. Tom and I have been busy thinking of different things to get up to. I bought a book a while back called 'fun with Messy Play' by Tracey Beckerleg (see the link at the bottom of the page). In her boy she gives lots of ideas, many we have tried and loved, however some that we hadn't tried. Porridge oats being one of these.

This seems so simple but yet it was something that we hadn't thought of doing! Tom and I always do pretty elaborate messy play but sometimes simple is best.

First I introduced Tom to the porridge oats dry. We used the golden syrup oats that you just add water. These were good because they were slightly more powdery so that had more of a texture. Tom really seemed engaged with the activity, he was taking in the smell and he was confident in exploring with his hands.

After a while of playing with the porridge oats dry I decide to mix in some water. This really released the smell. As the oats softened the activity became super relaxing for Tom. I added warm water so the porridge oats softened quicker.

Tom was super happy independently exploring the oats. I was there in order to help Tom when he was stuck, As the oats began to cool down they became thick and sometimes Tom struggled to move his arm. By adding a little more warm water Tom was able to play again. I love watching Tom play independently as it gives him some of his own time and space.