Little Muddy Fingers

10/18/2026

There’s no dignified way to explain the dirt in your pocket.

We can remember passwords, pay bills, and make appointments, but put a striped rock in our path and we’re crouched down like somebody spilled treasure. Then comes the walk back with one hand full and a leaf held carefully by the stem, trying to open the car without breaking anything. Apparently being responsible and being easily delighted can happen in the same person.

I like that I still get distracted by something that small. A smooth stone feels good in my hand, and I’ll turn it over a few times before deciding which side needs to face up on the shelf. It doesn’t have to be rare or worth money. I found it while I was out enjoying myself, and now I get to remember that afternoon while I’m looking for my keys.

Photo location: Bluffton Base Camp.

🍁🪨🕳

10/18/2026

The benefits of nature exposure start earlier than you think. 🍂

In our latest Research Digest, we dive into the emerging evidence on the role of nature from the prenatal period through the first three years of life — a critical window of rapid brain development when exposure to nature can support healthy growth, learning and development.

Did you know that studies show prenatal nature exposure is linked to healthier birth outcomes? Benefits can include healthier birth weights and lower risks of preterm birth and neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.

Research also highlights that when compared with conventional programs, children attending nature-based childcare centers and preschools tend to show improvements in attention, executive function, self-regulation and early literacy skills.

Explore this Research Digest focused on nature in early childhood to learn more about the data and discover practical guidance for designing nature-rich outdoor environments for infants and toddlers.
https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/research-digest-early-childhood/



🌱Help us keep sharing the latest research about children and nature. Support us at bit.ly/forchildrenandnature. 🐣

10/16/2026

That someone is me. ❤️

10/14/2026

10/09/2026

Beholding rocks helps us feel calm, grounded, and connected to the earth. This is the perfect state for kids to practice their focus skills. We went searching for special lizard rocks and then visited four different stations: rock excavating, rock washing, lizard home creating, and rock stacking. Explorers even got creative and combined some of the stations!

10/06/2026

Saturday adventures are BACK at Little Muddy Fingers! 🍂

We are so excited to offer a 5-class Saturday fall mini-season this October-November as we enjoy this beautiful weather! 🌿

We’ll explore, play, and get messy, through the changing season. And one class falls on Halloween! 🎃 We’ll make it extra special with pumpkins and some fun Halloween touches while still keeping it true to Little Muddy Fingers.

Nature, play, and child-led adventure.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Saturday option, so I’m especially excited to welcome families who can’t make our weekday classes!

-5 Saturday classes featuring the Tinkergarten curriculum
-One special Halloween Saturday
- Fall nature adventures + child-led play 🍁

For more details and registration go to: www.littlemuddyfingers.com

And if you have a birthday coming up, LMF Nature Adventure Birthday Parties are now available, too! 🎂🌿

09/28/2026