About Us
Get Messy - Providers of sensory play
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Lisa and Kathryn created Get Messy in 2018 both originally from the UK. Get Messy was a hit from the start and all the planning to bring fun-filled sessions, which families would love came to life.
We are extremely passionate about the many benefits of sensory play and bring a wealth of experience. We want to share this and all the learning opportunities that come with sensory play for you and your tamariki to enjoy.
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During the challenging COVID years, Kathryn had to move on. I kept my dream alive and grew Get Messy into an online shop and franchise so others outside of Auckland could enjoy what we have created.
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I can't wait to grow my online store and make sensory play accessible to all of NZ and beyond allowing others to work for themselves in a family-focused business.
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Benefits of sensory play
Messy play helps early motor skills, hand and eye co-ordination, precision and concentration. When children squeeze & scoop they are learning to refine their fine motor skills by using the muscles in their fingers, wrists, arms, toes and shoulders to make small movements.
Many of the things we experience in life creates mess, following the simple principles of cause and effect.
Food preparation, building and construction, art etc. Understanding process creates strong foundations for children’s future learning. This leads to a greater awareness and appreciation of the world around them as they mature.
New words and meanings are introduced during messy play. Fun words such as gooey, squishy, slimy, cold and soft. As young children can’t explain things verbally, they share their discoveries in different ways they need to think through their actions to communicate which also helps develop their cognition.
Risk is a vital component of children’s play. It allows children to be challenged, to face uncertainty, to problem-solve, to work with others, and to think outside the box. The creative process is characterised by risk taking, trying things out and experimenting. Taking risks in their play gives children the the opportunity to develop the use of their judgment
With messy play children can make their own entertainment in an unstructured and safe environment. With no right or wrong way to do things it's the ideal situation to foster independent thinking. Using their own mind to plan, explore and problem-solve, children build confidence and self-esteem that will help them develop as independent people.
Messy play materials provide satisfying sensory experiences that can stimulate emotional well-being. Children make their own choices, which in turn helps them to become confident and happy decision makers. They learn cooperative skills and also continue to develop their observation skills.
Get Messy is all about letting children explore and experiment with different objects and raw materials without any end goals to restrict them.This creative play gives children endless ways to develop and learn. It's also FUN for everyone. We don't stop playing because we grow old we grow old because we stop playing!
Messy play offers many physical benefits, allowing children to develop an awareness of their body and personal space whilst strengthening their muscle control. Children use the larger muscles in their arms, legs, feet and body to make bigger movements which support balance, coordination and strength.
What others say about Get Messy
'We love our Friday mornings spent at Messy Play. Thank you for going that extra mile to make sure my little boy is enjoying his experience . The lady’s who run this are so caring and kind and all the activities are well thought out. Thank you two again"
- Sophie