What if your child’s favourite story didn't have to end when you closed the book? I’ve always believed that stories are meant to be more than just words on a page; they are meant to be felt, smelled, and explored with tiny hands. While messy play has always been our heart at Smart Start Kids, I recently found a way to take that experience one step deeper.
The idea actually started back in December. A message popped up in my Instagram DMs from Anastasia. She has a professional background in child development and was keen to get involved with messy play here in The Hague. As much as I loved her energy, like most of you, my December was a total blur. Between holiday prep and the intense planning for our winter camps, I just didn't have the brain space to start something new! I kept pushing our meeting back until the New Year finally gave us some room to breathe.
Once the holiday dust settled, we finally managed to grab a coffee. What started as a simple chat about messy play naturally evolved into something much bigger. We began brainstorming how we could combine her experience in early years development with the creative world of Messy Mates, and the concept of Sensory Stories was born.
After some excited back-and-forth over WhatsApp and Google Drive, we are finally ready to introduce this new format.
Bringing Stories to Life
Our goal is to create a space where children don’t just listen to a story, but actually step inside it. Together, we have developed a three-pillar method designed to move from "head to hands":
The Story (Listening and Literacy)
We begin with an interactive reading of a carefully chosen English book, helping children build language, empathy, and understanding.
Sensory Play (Action and Exploration)
This child-led part is the heart of the session. By physically exploring materials inspired by the story, children create deeper cognitive connections and stronger memories.
The Creative Project (Focus and Integration)
We finish with a physical Story Token, something children can take home to anchor what they’ve learnt and retell the story in their own way.
Development Meets Messy Play
What I love most about this collaboration is how naturally it grew. Anastasia’s expertise in child development helps us focus on how sensory input supports cognitive growth and how a consistent, predictable routine can help children settle and regulate after a busy week. It is not just about the fun; it is about providing a rich environment for your child to grow through their own curiosity.
Join us for the Launch!
Our very first session kicks off on Friday, 13 February, from 16:00 to 17:00. We will be exploring the heart-warming classic, The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, a story that perfectly mirrors the connection we hope to build in these classes.
If this sounds like something your child would enjoy, we would love to welcome you to our very first Sensory Stories session. I am so proud of what we have built together, and I cannot wait to welcome you and your little ones to this new chapter of the Messy Mates Club.