Mud days are the best days at Gillispie! Last Thursday, a rainy day brought the joy of mud to the outdoor classroom. A few of the children who had been digging holes earlier in the week observed that one of their holes was now filled with water. This small discovery sparked a chain reaction of curiosity and play.
What began with one child cautiously stepping into the water-filled hole quickly turned into a shared adventure. One by one, the children lined up for a turn to jump in, each aiming to create the biggest, muddiest splash possible. Laughter filled the air as they tested the depth, texture, and movement of the muddy water.
What looked like messy fun was also meaningful learning. The children explored cause and effect, challenged their balance and coordination, and practiced the important social skills of turn-taking and sharing. They were scientists, engineers, and friends—learning through play in its purest form.
But the mud offered another kind of lesson, too.
For several days, one child stood on the sidelines. She watched her classmates dive into the mud with curiosity in her eyes, but she wasn’t quite ready to join. She was the quiet observer, lingering nearby, soaking it all in while deciding if the mess was worth the fun.
Then, something shifted.
With a little encouragement, she dipped her hands into a bucket of mud. She studied its cool, squishy texture, pausing as if to ask herself: Should I or shouldn’t I? Her hesitation was real—but so was her bravery. In that small moment, she tested her boundaries and began to embrace the joy of getting messy.
Though her time in the mud was short, it was powerful. She got her hands dirty, smiled, and even declared she had fun before asking to clean up. For her, this wasn’t just play—it was courage in action. She walked away a little muddier and a little braver than before.
Sometimes, the biggest leaps start with just a fingertip dipped in mud.
Thank you to our Cypress classroom for this great story!