Mud, Laughter, and the Slippery Hill

Learning Through Play

A moment of pure joy in the mud.

Learning through nature, and play, looks like this.

At Ohmapi, our classrooms have no walls. Last week, our students showed that, in the most joyful way, with mud, puddles, and a slippery hill.

Watching children fully inhabit the outdoors is magical. They were jumping, sliding, climbing, testing limits, and cheering each other on. Each slip brought laughter. Each fall was an opportunity to try again.

Physical play teaches lessons no worksheet can. Balance, coordination, resilience, and problem-solving are built when children navigate real challenges in real time. And joy is woven into every muddy step.

This play is messy, loud, unpredictable, and exactly what childhood should be. When children move freely, take risks, and explore their environment, they build confidence, creativity, and connection.

Learning isn’t measured by tests. It’s measured by curiosity sparked, confidence built, and laughter shared. Last week, the mud hill reminded us all why the outdoors is the best classroom.

We’d love to hear from you: How does your child explore the world through play? Share your stories in the comments or tag us on social media: @the_ohmapi_nature_project.

Gallery: The hill is slippery, the mud is messy, and the joy is unstoppable. at The Ohmapi Nature Project.