ABSTRACT
This chapter takes us on a journey towards the development of a messy play continuum, from wet and sticky consistencies, to in-between and dry textures, each with their own unique characteristics, qualities, appeal and potential uses. It explores how children's typical interactions challenge the idea that material encounters are a one-dimensional experience and highlight a spectrum of messy play possibilities. A range of quantitative lenses were introduced for viewing spatial, temporal and emotional patterns, as well as transformations in colour, form and containment. According to Gibson, what is perceived when looking at objects (or materials) is not their dimensions or properties but their affordances: 'what they can provide or offer.' Offering materials on a range of scales will have a bearing upon the child's perception of affordance, containment and use. Imagine offering children dried rice in a mini dolls house-proportioned copper saucepan, a large cauldron, 'sand' tray or almost completely uncontained on a sheet of tarpaulin.
