Resources / Messy Play Hierarchy

Messy play hierarchy

A texture hierarchy to support messy play experiences, arranged from easy to challenging.

EasyChallenging

Messy Play Texture Hierarchy, from easy to challenging, with example textures in each category
Dry textures fall away and the child can control contact with the texture.	Dry textures that mostly fall away, some particles or bits may stick to the hand.	Wet textures that stick to the hand but the child can easily break contact with the texture (e.g. by lightly wiping).	Wet textures that stick to the hand and the child has least control when breaking contact with the texture (e.g. by repeatedly wiping).
Feathers Shredded paper Dry Pasta / spaghetti Dry Rice Dry porridge oats String Lace Fabric squares Fur fabric Dry sand Beads Plastic items Sea shells Coconut husks Dry lentils / beans Dried flowers	Damp Sand Glitter Sequins Touching mixture of corn flour mixed with water. Cold wet pasta / spaghetti Wet rice Silly string Chalks	Foam (e.g. light shaving foam) Water Wet sand Wet noodles Wet lentils Baked beans	Foam (e.g. heavy shaving foam) Glue Melted chocolate Mashed banana Dripping mixture of corn flour mixed with water on the skin Mud Angel delight Porridge Custard Yoghurt Ice cream Paint Tinned Spaghetti Items may also include additional properties at this end of the scale (e.g. ice cream is sticky and cold).