Sand Play Kids Will Love

Sensory Learning With Sand

Jun 10, 2009

Children have always been intrigued by sand play. There is no right way to use sand, yet it invites participation and stretches the imagination.

Sand is one manipulative that allows children to explore their creativity and imaginations. The beauty of sand is that it is a material found almost everywhere and it can be played with in outdoor settings as well as indoors. Sand play tickles the senses and also promotes physical development. Children use muscle skills, eye-hand coordination and this play even promotes social skills. Children can work together to construct roads and buildings; there is no end to what sand play teaches.

Reading Readiness

Make sandpaper letters for tactile reinforcement with young children who are just learning their letters. Cut out large alphabet letters from poster board. Spread glue over the letter, then cover with sand. When thoroughly dry, invite the children to touch the surface and feel the texture. Together say the letter and its sound. For a game, challenge the children to close their eyes and see if they can guess the letters by touch.

A Little Sand Science

Try looking at sand from the beach versus sand bought for the sandbox. Hold a magnifying glass and compare the grains of sand. Are the grains the same size? Is one sand rougher or smoother than the other?

How does water affect the sand? Dry sand sifts easily through the fingers but it's hard to grab onto. Now wet the sand and ask these questions: Is wet sand heavier than dry sand? Does it flow through your fingers? Can you form it? This is the time to set out containers and cookie cutters and let the children mold forms and cut shapes into the sand.

Hands-On Art With Sand

Let the kids squeeze white glue onto heavy paper forming random designs. Sprinkle sand over this paper and shake off the excess. When this artwork is dry, the children can use crayons or paints to add color to their designs. Or use colored sand for a different look.

Fill paper cups half-full with sand. Add water to cover the sand. Place a few drops of food coloring and stir with a plastic spoon letting this mixture set for a few minutes. Pour off the water and spoon the sand onto a cookie sheet to dry. If you have sunny weather, set the pan outside to dry quicker. This colored sand can be used in many art projects.

Make a beach scene by filling a small jar with sand. Arrange shells, twigs, and small pebbles inside. Place the lids on securely. Decorate the lids with paint and glue beach shells on top. Children could use colored sand in this project for a bright or striped effect. Set these on a shelf for all to enjoy.

Beach Combing

It's sand castle season and whether the child sculpts his palace on the beach or in a backyard sandbox, using combs and kitchen utensils help level a building site or just make nifty designs in the sand.

Seaside Snack

Sand play can make children hungry so here is an idea for a fun snack. Fill a child's beach pail with the following "nautical" ingredients:

Young children have a natural love for sand play. Adults can build on this interest by providing the kids with the necessary props, asking questions to spark thinking skills, and making sure that the children have ample time to play with this intriguing natural resource.

The copyright of the article Sand Play Kids Will Love in Kids Educational Activities is owned by Tania Cowling. Permission to republish Sand Play Kids Will Love in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.