In School-age 1 at RisingOaks Early Learning | John Sweeney the children have been using sand trays to create shapes, letters, number, pictures and more. A sand tray is also a wonderful way to encourage and develop pre-writing skills, which is a very important capability to flourish. The child can draw a picture and then shake the tray to start over again, it's fun and economical. Like finger painting, this is a good way to encourage mark making without the child having to use a tool. Sand is tactile and feels wonderful. We added materials such as popsicle sticks, cars and animals to the activity which allowed the children to explore the sand in a variety of ways. Some children burred the animals then used the popsicle sticks to dig them up. Others used the popsicle stick as writing utensils to create pictures and practice writing their name. A few children used the popsicle sticks to make structures in the sand and placed the animals inside. While the children were exploring the sand trays they shared ideas and designs with each other. Children provided feedback to the designer which either confirmed or challenged their ideas. When a child was facing a problem with the sand, their peers provided ideas to encourage problem solving. We are really working towards a classroom where we help each other out opposed to put each other down. We encourage the children to share all of the great things they see their peers doing and not always call out the negative. The children shared with us how calming the sand felt between their fingers. A few times, when they were experiencing heightened brain activity, they asked for the sand. As they explored the sand, you could see their shoulders drop and bodies relax. Over March break, the children were encouraged to used the Natural Playground and spent a lot of time in the big sand pit. The children designed a restaurant where they would provide the bike riders with food as they zoomed by. There were meaningful conversations and their communication developed as they barked orders and prepared the food. A couple of children found it hilarious to burry themselves and their friends in the sand. However, this sand is difficult to build sandcastles with as it is fine and dry, but with a bit of perseverance, I’m sure the children will master that skill in a flash.
