Tristan is in the park with his mother. He steps into a muddy puddle and squats down to investigate it further. He uses a finger to gently poke at the mud. After a while, he scoops some on his finger, steps out of the puddle and carefully makes marks on the ground with it. He checks with his mother before he goes back into the mud and does it again.
1. How many of us remember the joys of playing in the mud? Getting mucky and building mud pies often features prominently when adults are asked about their memories of play.
It is an activity loaded with sensory experiences. Sticking his finger into the unknown is a risky business for Tristan and he proceeds cautiously, but with intent. It is the sense of touch that is most prominent as he begins his explorations - and for babies and young children, touching things will lead to powerful brain-building.
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