With temperatures around the 75F mark (22C) for the middle of winter, we were not going to sit inside all day doing school. OK, we were not going to sit inside very much at all - at least until the Severe Thunderstorm Warning (hail and 45mph winds) and the Tornado Warning went off. At that stage, school inside looked like a good idea. But until then, Mud Pies were the obvious activity of choice for outside. Plenty of water from previous rains, large mud patch which the dogs had dug around a tree, and temperatures warm enough for light clothing and barefeet.
Mud Pies are a wonderful activity on many levels. Those new to homeschooling with young kids should take note. Mud Pie "work" strengthens the muscles in the fingers they write with and improves their dexterity. It allows for uninterupted (stay away from them!) play - this improves their ability to focus. 
Ever seen a child in "The Flow"? Watch one (from a distance) playing with mud or sand. "The Flow" is when you go into a time warp, your mind is on your activity and is not cluttered up with running through the "to do" lists. (Remember how that used to be?)
If Mud Pies are made with friends, then this often helps them role play social situations ("Would you like some tea with that mud?").
What better introduction to pottery or other three dimensional media? The science of Mud Pies, you learn that if you add dry dirt to wet mud, your creation becomes firmer (Chemistry). 
What happens if you throw a mud pie that is sloppy? Is it easy to catch (Physics)? 
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. There's more benefit in letting your kid play outside in the mud than just a quiet house. But the main reason I think Mud Pies are a must as part of a childhood is simply because it is fun.
Almost forgot! Mud is another VERY cheap art material....
Note: The boy version of Mud Pies is Mud Bombs.
Aussie Kim
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