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We get it. Messy mud play is not always a grown up's dream. No matter how you and your kids feel about mud, you can still get all the goodness. It's just a matter of finding out your way to do mud play. 

Want more? Click here for ways to learn more about your child's mud mindset.

As parents, it’s natural to want our kids to get the most out of every experience. So we look for signs that our kids are fully attending to whatever they’re doing. But, little kids do things differently. And, you may find that your kid is taking one of two approaches to play. We like to call them “Dabbling” and “Diving Deep.”

Laugh (& Learn a Little)

Teaching and parenting are wild rides, full of funny moments we can all relate to and learn from together. Check out our latest short videos just for grown ups:

It stinks to see our kids fail—seeing them succeed is so much more fun. But learning to see failures as opportunities to grow makes kids more willing to try new things and discover the world. How can we help kids (and ourselves) manage, learn from and even celebrate failure?

Have you ever noticed your child repeating a very particular -- and maybe even peculiar! -- behavior when they play? Though it might seem random to adults, this is actually common for kids ages 1 ½ to as old as 8. All over the world, kids naturally focus on these same, simple actions when they play. And, knowing about them can make it even easier (and sweeter) to support your child's playful learning. Learn more.


It can be hard to figure out how to balance letting kids fall in love with nature and teaching them to protect it, but what could be more important for the future of our kids and our green spaces. We're hoping this helps—and makes you smile!

New To Tinkergarten?

Tinkergarten helps teachers, caregivers and kids get outside to make the most of  kids’ early learning years. We offer curriculum, training, community and local classes for kids. Learn more about what we offer today!

Learn More

More Than 5 Senses Matter

Most of us remember learning about the five senses, but there are actually 7 in particular that are critical to early learning. How can we keep all of our kids' senses firing as we shift into the fall?

How (& Why) to Celebrate Failure

How Can Kids Leave a Little Trace

Having a quick conversation feels like a breeze...for adults...But what our adult brains don’t realize is how many skills we draw on during even the simplest chat. Easy ways we can support our kids in learning to communicate can make all the difference. 

Want to know more? Take a closer look at The Communication Chain here.

What Is The "Communication Chain?"

Watch "Messy Play Support Group"

Watch "Behavioral Schema"

Watch "Dabbling & Diving Deep"

The Power of Repetition

 

Why do young kids repeat things again, and again, and again...? Repeating familiar activities, traditions does so much for young kids—develops the brain, supports kids in learning to persist, gives a sense of belonging and comfort and even helps spark creativity! Enjoy this look at the power of repetition, and laugh just a little, too!

Most of today’s learning experiences for kids—school, camps, activities and even toys—are targeted toward pretty narrow age ranges. But, throughout most of human history, kids have learned in mixed-age settings, and this kind of learning offers many unique benefits for both older and younger kids. Find out more about why!

Mixed Age Play & Learning

 

Hello, Winter!

No matter how you feel about winter, the transition into the chill of the season can be challenging. Enjoy this funny little peek at how our approach to winter impacts how kids experience the season and even how they learn to face all kinds of challenges! Hello, Winter!