English version

Making a Mud Kitchen
English version

Read Making a Mud Kitchen on the Outdoor Hub, section by section:

• Introduction: Background
• Section 1: Just Do It! – Guidelines for Creating a Mud Kitchen
• Section 2: Choose the Place
• Section 3: Make the Space
• Section 4: Fit it Out
• Section 5: Places to Find what you need
• Section 6: Get Busy In It!
• Section 7: Being a Good Assistant
• Section 8: Delving into the Meanings of Mud Play
• Section 9: Keeping it Safe and Healthy
• Section 10: Children’s Books to go with Mud Kitchen Play, & further information

(sections are from the first edition, 2012)

About the author

Jan White is the author of Making a Mud Kitchen. She is a specialist in early childhood outdoor provision from birth to five. For more information visit her websites:

• Jan White Natural Play
• Early Childhood Outdoors (ECO)

Jan and Liz Edwards from Muddy Faces have been collaborating on the Mud Campaign for many years.

Extract from Making a Mud Kitchen:

There is little more important in our physical world than earth and water and they are truly intriguing things, especially when they interact. Mixing soil, water and a range of other natural materials has a foundational role in early childhood which has deep importance and endless possibilities for well-being, development and learning. The breadth and depth of what these experiences offer young children is truly remarkable.