By Afraa Kori
Messy Giggles hosted a fairytale-themed messy session, uniting children and families from Pakenham and surrounding areas on February 22.
Fairytale Messy Play session was a truly enchanting experience, where children entered the world of their favourite stories through hands-on, sensory-rich exploration.
From the whimsical landscapes of classic tales to the creative magic of arts and crafts, every moment was filled with laughter, curiosity, and discovery. Families came together to celebrate the joy of learning through play, making it a truly memorable event.
Messy Giggles is not just about messy play—it is a purposeful, play-based learning experience designed by two VIT-registered early childhood teachers with a deep understanding of child development.
Every session is carefully crafted to support cognitive, social, and fine motor development, making it both fun and meaningful for children of all abilities. Our approach ensures that play is rich in learning opportunities, fostering imagination, problem-solving, and social connections.
Co-founders and facilitators of Messy Giggles, Dasni and Mewanda said it was heartwarming to see babies exploring new textures for the first time, toddlers fully immersed in sensory play, and preschoolers engaging in imaginative storytelling through hands-on activities.
“One of the most magical moments was watching children fully immerse themselves in their favourite fairy tales—from scooping “porridge” in the Goldilocks and the Three Bears tray to shaping their own gingerbread men with moon dough.“
“The Little Mermaid gloop tray was a standout favourite, as little hands swirled through the colourful, slippery textures, discovering hidden mermaids beneath the waves. Laughter and excitement filled the room as children worked together in the Three Little Pigs rice tray, scooping, pouring, and imagining themselves building sturdy homes to keep the Big Bad Wolf away. Seeing their joy, curiosity, and creativity unfold was truly the heart of this event.”
February 26th marks Tell a Fairytale Day, a celebration of storytelling and imagination. To honour this special occasion, we brought beloved fairy tales to life through sensory play, allowing children to touch, feel, and experience the magic of their favourite stories in a way that only Messy Giggles can offer.
Messy Giggles runs fortnightly, bringing new and exciting themes every two weeks to keep little learners engaged, curious, and eager to explore!
“We can’t wait for our next session on March 8th, where a Dr. Seuss-inspired sensory experience awaits,” Dasni and Mewanda said.
“We’ll be celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday through imaginative sensory play, bringing his whimsical stories to life in a hands-on and engaging way.”
