Preschool Rocks, Dirt & Mud Theme

Discover a variety of preschool Rocks, Dirt, and Mud themed activities that explore the fascinating world of rocks, dirt, mud. This page is packed with  learning objectives, and fun, hands-on ideas for small group, whole group, and independent learning centers to support your early childhood program.
Use the buttons below to quickly navigate to each section!

🌟 Join the Pre-K Printables Club for Unlimited Access to  our Printable Resources! 🌟
Want even more fun activities for your classroom? As a Pre-K Printables Club Member, you get exclusive access to all our printable themed resources, activity instruction pages, and member exclusives.
Join now and download everything you need to bring this theme to life with your students!
Join the Pre-K Printables Club Today – Unlock Unlimited Access!

---

Quick Links to Key Resources

Theme Planning

Activities

Resources

---

Preschool Rocks Dirt and Mud Theme Planning  Section

Below, you'll find our Theme Map outlining key topics to explore, suggested learning objectives to guide your lessons, and a free activity plan to help you get started. Club Members can download our Rocks Dirt and Mud theme planning guide and all of our printable resources and instruction pages for free inside our Activity Library! Not a member? Learn More Here

Preschool Rocks Dirt & Mud  Topic Ideas & Learning Objectives

Here are some suggested preschool learning objectives for a Rocks, Dirt & Mud theme:
Explore the Properties of Rocks

• Children will identify and describe different types of rocks (e.g., smooth, rough, big, small).
• Children will sort rocks based on size, shape, and texture.

Investigate Dirt and Soil

• Children will observe and describe the texture of dirt and mud through hands-on exploration.
• Children will learn about the role of dirt and mud in nature (e.g., plant growth, animal habitats).

Understand the Importance of Mud

• Children will recognize mud as a natural substance created when dirt and water combine.
• Children will explore how animals use mud (e.g., pigs, frogs, and birds).

Develop Fine Motor Skills

• Children will use tools to manipulate mud and dirt, such as shovels, scoops, and brushes, to improve coordination and motor control.

Learn About Ecosystems

• Children will discover animals that live in or around rocks, dirt, and mud (e.g., insects, worms, frogs, and reptiles).
• Children will understand how these animals adapt to and thrive in their muddy environments.

Practice Observational Skills

• Children will observe changes in dirt and mud as they interact with it (e.g., wet vs. dry mud).
• Children will document their findings through drawing, talking, or simple journaling.

Introduce Scientific Vocabulary

• Children will learn new vocabulary related to rocks, dirt, and mud (e.g., texture, erosion, sediment, excavation).
• Children will use descriptive language to explain what they observe in nature.

Promote Collaborative Learning

• Children will work together in small groups to explore rocks, dirt, and mud through collaborative hands-on activities like digging, sorting, or building.

Encourage Creative Expression

• Children will use natural materials (rocks, dirt, mud) to create art and sculptures, encouraging imaginative thinking.

Develop Environmental Awareness

• Children will recognize the role of rocks, dirt, and mud in the environment, discussing the importance of conservation and caring for nature.

---

Rocks Dirt and Mud Preschool Activity Plan

Subscribe to our free lesson planning newsletter to get 50+ free plans-including the one featured on this page!

---

Rocks Dirt and Mud Preschool Activities

Below you will find a sample of some of our favorite activities for this theme. Click on a button below to find specific activities by type, or visit our free Preschool Activity Library to find even MORE Preschool Activities for this theme!

Use the yellow arrow to return to the top!

Pre-K Printables Club members can download all of our printable products, and instruction pages for hands-on activities for FREE through the member links in our shop listings and activity library.
Not a member yet? Join here!

---

Vertical Divider

Outdoor Mud Painting

Mix together dirt and water to create some fun mud painting outside! Fill some containers with dirt and mix in water to create different consistencies. Let students use their fingers or paintbrushes to make mud paint creations on the pavement or on paper. This is a great way for students to explore texture in art! View Member Instructions

Drop Painting

 Discover the joy of creative expression with Drop Art! This innovative and easy-to-follow art activity is perfect for preschoolers. Encourage their imagination and fine motor skills as they explore colors, shapes, and textures. Let their creativity soar!
View the Blog Post or View Member Instructions

Try this!

Paint Rocks

Bring a little nature inside, or art outside. Paint some rocks to add to the garden, or as decor in the classroom. View Member Instructions

Rock and Dirt Compositions

Provide heavy weight paper and glue outdoors for a fun process art invitation using dirt and rocks. View Member Instructions

Muddy Finger Painting

Invite preschoolers to explore finger painting with brown paint. Anytime the kids are finger painting is a great time to take a hand print for use in crafts later. When they are done with their finger painting, have them stamp their hand on a blank piece of paper and label it with their name and the date. View Member Instructions

Create Mud tracks

Create an invitation for your preschooler to mix colors to make the color brown, then dip trucks in and make mud tracks on paper.
View Member Instructions

Try this!

---

Create an Outdoor Mud Kitchen

 Preschoolers love to play with mud. Set up a mud kitchen where children can pretend to cook. Take the Dramatic Play Outside and Create a Space for a Mud Kitchen.  Gather old pots & pans, Strainers, Cupcake Pans, Cake Pans, and a variety of kitchen utensils. Find inspiration for your mud exploration station in this related post all about mud kitchens!
View the Blog Post or View Member Instructions

Pretend to be a Geologist

Student can practice sorting, weighing and measuring rocks. Include a variety of rocks, and stones. An investigation form, and sorting mats. Add magnifying glasses, googles/safety glasses.
View Member Instructions

---

Rocks Dirt and Mud Building Materials

Consider adding rocks, brown felt "Mud" and construction vehicles to the Construction Space this week. View Member Instructions

Build a Rock Chute 

Take a cardboard tube, preferably from gift wrap however a shorter tube from paper towels will work too. Cut the tube in half lengthwise. Supply small rocks in the construction area for children to send down the chute to a construction pit. View Member Instructions

Build with Rocks

This can be done both outdoors and indoors. While outside, invite children to build freely with rocks, take pictures of their structures.
Inside set up a challenge with a set of rocks. How many can you stack? What can you make? Can you build a home? Encourage children to build up as well as lay the rocks out on the table to create something. Vocabulary to use: Structure, Stable, Balance, Smooth, Rough, Topple. View Member Instructions

DIY Faux Stone Building Blocks

Create your own faux stone building blocks! These tactile blocks will inspire endless imagination and provide hours of engaging play. Perfect for preschool teachers looking to enhance sensory development and fine motor skills! View the Blog Post or View Member Instructions

Build Rock and Stone Landmarks Around the World

Encourage your preschoolers to recreate famous landmarks from around the world that are made of stone! Display posters of these structures in your Construction Space to inspire their creativity. Discuss the materials used to build these landmarks and provide stones and other building materials for hands-on exploration. Talk about the challenges and advantages of different construction materials. For additional inspiration, check out our Build Landmarks Around the World Poster Pack, which includes themed building mats!

Get this pack in our shop!

---

Build Letters with Rocks*

This Let's Build Letters with Rocks printable preschool activity allows kids to learn about the alphabet while having fun! Encourage fine motor skills as they arrange rocks to form letters, promoting creativity and letter recognition. Get ready for an engaging and educational activity!
Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Use a Reference Book

Preschoolers are learning that books can be more than a fun story. They are a source of information!
Set out a reference book for preschoolers to compare their rocks to.
View Member Instructions

Pigs in the Mud Seek-and-Find

Get ready for some muddy fun! This Pigs in the Mud Seek and Find File folder game printable is an entertaining and educational preschool activity. Kids will develop their observation skills while searching for adorable pigs hidden in the mud. Perfect for rainy day play or as a quiet time learning activity. Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Reading Comprehension:
​Harry the Dirty Dog

Listen to Betty White read Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion. 
After the story, make some real world connections through discussion. 
Ask students if they ever saw a dog that got dirty. How did the dog get dirty? Have they ever given a dog a bath? What happened? Ask students to make comparisons between their experiences and the book. 
View Member Instructions

​I can Give my Dog a Bath*

Our I Can Give My Dog a Bath: Read and Sequence Set is a fun activity where you can read a rebus story with your preschooler then work on sequencing to improve Reading Comprehension. Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Create your own Story Stones

Build story stones and have children create a story with them!
This is a fun and easy way for children to practice telling stories and story structure. View Member Instructions

Make these!

Stuck in the Mud Song

Listen and sing along to “Stuck in the Mud” as we watch five animals get stuck in the mud while they try to help each other.  Learn the chorus and sing it together.

We were (number of animals) in the mud 
In a bunch of trouble 
​Muddy from our head to our toes!
We squished and squelched 
In this giant puddle
No way that we could go.
Listen to it on YouTube here. 

Digging in the Dirt Song

Dance and sing along to this catchy tune about dirt!  Listen to it on YouTube here. 

Fun Books about Rocks, Dirt, and Mud

A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
A Rock Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabija
Rocks and Soil  by Rebecca Rissman
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe by Mary McKenna Siddals and Ashley Wolff
​Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham
What can you do with a Rock?  By Katy Kath
Dirt: The Scoop on Soil by Natalie Myra Rosinsky and Sheree Boyd
My Book of Rocks and Minerals: Things to Find, Collect, and Treasure by Devin Dennie
Let's Go Rock Collecting by Roma Gans
Mud by Mary Lyn Ray
 Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes by John Cage and Lois Long
Dirt + Water = Mud by Katherine Hannigan
Mud Puddle by Robert Munsch

---

Mud Pie Recipe Cards*

These mud pie math counting recipe cards are a fun way to engage preschoolers in math activities. Each card features an image of all the ingredients needed to make a mud pie. Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Rock counting Ten-Frames*

Engaging and educational, these Rock Counting Mats are perfect for teaching little ones numbers 1 to 10! Featuring frames to place the rocks in, this printable preschool activity is interactive and helps develop counting skills. Get your child excited about learning with this fun and hands-on resource! Buy Now

Buy this activity!

*Rock Sorting

Pair an egg carton and rocks for preschoolers to practice sorting skills.
Leave this activity open-ended; How can you sort the rocks
View Member Instructions

Rock Count & Clip Cards

This Rock Count & Clip Cards activity is perfect for preschoolers to practice counting and fine motor skills. Simply count the rocks and clip the correct number. A fun and educational printable for little ones!
Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Rock Dig Number Sensory Bin

Add play dirt or sand to your sensory tray, and bury rocks. Practice counting rocks or write numbers on rocks and practice identifying them.
View Member Instructions

Buy this counting mat!

Weigh Rocks

Reader Darlene G. created this rock weighing station. This discovery center is placed in a corner with just a couple of chairs to create a private, and cozy space for just a few children to explore specimens. In addition to magnifying glasses, she has also included a balance scale that allows children to explore the weights of different materials.
View Member Instructions

Photo Credit: Darlene G.

*Practice Counting to 10

Engage your little geologist with this fun and educational puzzle activity! Designed for preschoolers, this printable set features 10 captivating geology-themed puzzles that encourage problem-solving and cognitive development. Dive into the world of rocks, minerals, and fossils with this hands-on learning tool! Perfect for homeschooling or classroom use. Get yours now and let the exploration begin!
Buy Now

Buy this activity!

---

Grow Your Own Geodes

Learn how to make DIY geodes with your preschoolers! This fun, hands-on activity will engage their senses and spark their curiosity about geology. Perfect for incorporating science into your classroom!
View the Blog Post or View Member Instructions

Make this!

Invitation to explore Rocks and Stones

​Create a place to explore rocks. Add magnifying glasses, and plenty of specimens. You may also want to include books and magazines about rocks. ​View Member Instructions

*Above Ground Below Ground

This printable preschool activity engages little learners in above and below concepts! Just print, cut, and explore the world around us, from clouds above to worms below. A fun and educational resource for hands-on discovery! Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Get Muddy

Suit the kiddos up in mud suits and rain boots for plenty of free exploration outdoors. View Member Instructions

Explore Rocks, Dirt, & Mud

There is so much to explore with rocks, dirt, & mud. 
Supply children with shovels, containers, and a space to dig and make mud. View Member Instructions

Create a Sediment Jar

The Sediment Jar activity allows preschoolers to create a jar to observe how dirt falls in layers. With the use of materials such as dirt, rocks, and water, preschoolers will be able to see the sediment settle over time. This activity promotes critical thinking, observation skills, and understanding of natural processes.  Preschoolers will enjoy seeing the layers form in the jar. It is a fun and engaging way to learn about science and the natural world. View Member Instructions

Use a Sieve to study Rocks and Dirt

Supply preschoolers with plastic sieves and shovels. Invite them to add dirt to the sieves. Make observations about what they see. Gently shake the sieve, now what do they see? Are there materials beyond dirt and rocks?
After one round, invite preschoolers to predict what they will find the next time.
View Member Instructions

Sort Rocks By Type*

This sorting rocks by type mat printable preschool activity is a fun and interactive way for little ones to learn about different types of rocks. Encourage little geologists to categorize rocks based on their characteristics and spark their curiosity about the fascinating world of geology! Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Create a Dirt Volcano

Create a volcano with dirt and rocks, add baking soda to the center and then invite preschoolers to set it off by adding vinegar.
View Member Instructions

Muddy Car Wash Sensory Bin

Mix together water and dirt to create mud. Have your preschoolers drive plastic cars through the mud to make the cars messy. Then invite them to clean off the cars by setting up a bin with water, soap, sponges, towels etc to create their very own car wash! View Member Instructions

Rock Washing Sensory Bin

Have your preschoolers collect rocks and then add them to a rock washing station. Include an empty bucket, bucket with water, scrub brushes, sponges, dish towels and soap. Let them clean and dry each of the rocks. View Member Instructions

Mud Slime Oobleck

Make your own chocolate oobleck Mud Slime for your students to play with. The can add their own farm animals, dirt bikes, or monster trucks!
View Member Instructions

Make this!

---

---

Rock Sorting* Relay-Gross Motor

Engage your little one's senses with this fun and educational rock sorting activity! Develop fine motor skills and learn about size concepts as your preschooler sorts rocks by size. A perfect printable activity for hands-on learning at home or in the classroom. Buy Now

Buy this activity!

Hidden Gems-Fine Motor

Pair gems with play dough. Push the gems inside of the dough for children to extract. View Member Instructions

Muddy Target-Gross Motor

Let your preschoolers get a little messy while working on their gross motor skills! Set up a target outside. Create mud that they can pick up and easily throw. Challenge them to hit the bullseye!
Check out our Create Your Own Shower Curtain Target blog post for directions for easily creating an outdoor target. 
View Member Instructions

DIY Shower Curtain Target for Preschoolers

Rock Tracing Lines-Fine Motor

This printable preschool activity is packed with fun and engaging fine motor pre-writing and cutting practice activities. Perfect for little ones to develop their motor skills and prepare for writing and cutting tasks.
Buy Now

Hopscotch

Set up a hop scotch board either inside or outside using chalk. Give your preschoolers a stone and have them throw the stone to one of the squares. This is the square they have to try to get to.
View Member Instructions

Create a Mud and Worm Pudding Snack-Fine Motor

Children will have a blast creating their own Mud and Worm Pudding Snack! This hands-on activity promotes fine motor skills and sensory exploration. With chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and candy worms, this delicious treat is sure to be a hit. Don't forget to involve parents and emphasize proper hand hygiene!
View Member Instructions

​Go on a Rock Hunt

Encourage families to find a rock around their neighborhood or in their backyard.  Families can research the type of rock using the internet or classroom resources.  Children can bring the rock in to share during circle time. View Member Instructions

Stuck in the Muck Dance: Gross Motor

Dance along to the fun song “Stuck in the Muck” by following the simple steps.  Watch the YouTube video here.

Rock Scavenger Hunt

Have children complete a rock scavenger hunt. You can give them images of different types of rocks to find or you can have them collect whatever rocks they find or like. Extend this activity by having them bring their rocks back to the group so that you can look at them together and talk about the differences and similarities!

Learn About Mud Homes

Mud Home Structure on YouTube

Learn about Rocks as Tools

Learn about the how rocks have been used as tools.
View Member Instructions

Take a Rocky Trip

There are all kinds of fun ways to engage in the community. Here are three options for this theme depending on the structure of your program. ​

Join us for a Preschool Take a Rocky Trip activity where children will have the opportunity to explore the world of construction and learn about rocks and dirt. Whether it's through an exciting field trip, a visit from an expert, or a virtual experience, this activity promises to be both educational and entertaining for preschool students. Come and join the fun! View Member Instructions

Stack Rocks Teamwork

Cairns are rock piles, or stacks. They are often created as landmarks to mark trails.  Have your preschoolers pair up. Provide them with flat stones and have them take turns building rock towers. Their goal is to build the tallest tower without it falling. View Member Instructions

Take Turns Play a Rock or Muddy Game Together*

 Play a cooperative game with your kids. Take turns, working together to meet a common goal. This pigs in the mud game can be found inside my rocks, dirt and mud activity pack. Children work together to add all of the pigs to the mud! Buy Now

Buy this activity!

​Sharing Rock 

Pass the Sharing Rock! Take turns and share your thoughts and feelings.
View Member Instructions

Rock Tic Tac Toe

Draw a tick tac toe board and allow students to use rocks as the Os in the game. Students can practice taking turns both in the game as as the Os. Extend this activity, by having each student decorate their rocks before playing! View Member Instructions

Rock Show and Tell

Before circle time go on a rock hunt with your preschoolers. Invite each child to bring one rock back with them. During circle time, give each child a turn to describe their rock using one or two words.
View Member Instructions

Play an Ancient Game of Mancala

Evidence of this board game was discovered in Israel between 2nd-3rd AD. This game was played with stones (or seeds), and common reproductions use colorful stones or gems.
This is a great game to practice counting, and is also great for  building fine motor skills. View Member Instructions

Rocky Emotions

Draw or paint eyes, mouths, and noses that show different emotions on flat stones. Give students construction paper and have them draw a circle for a face. Challenge them to show different emotions on their faces using the painted stones or have them create a face that shows how they are feeling that day and have them share about their emotion. View Member Instructions

Rock Sharing from Home

Ask families to share any rock specimens they may have at home. Invite them to come and talk about them if they wish, or simply add to the science space for the week. 
View Member Instructions

Go on a Rock Hunt

Encourage families to find a rock around their neighborhood or in their backyard. 
Families can research the type of rock using the internet or classroom resources. 
Children can bring the rock in to share during circle time. View Member Instructions

---

Rocks Dirt and Mud Preschool Activity Pack

$7.00

Shop

National Geographic Readers Rocks and Minerals Book Companion and Mini Geology Lab Dramatic Play Set

$3.00

Shop

Piggy in the Puddle Pre-K Book Companion

$3.00

Shop

Mud Pie Math Pre-K Counting Recipe Cards

$3.00

Shop

I Can Give My Dog a Bath Read and Sequence Literacy Activity

$2.00

Shop

Worms Snails and Slugs Preschool Activity Pack

$7.00

Shop