*Don’t forget that tonight the Garden Growing Committee will be working in the WF backyard starting at 5:30. Bring a brown bag supper and enjoy the fun!

Making the Most of Sand Play

(By Sandra Crosser Ph.D., associate professor at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio.)

“Children have always been intrigued by sand play. They dig in sand, sift it, build with it, pour it, enjoy the feel and smell of it, pretend with it, and explore how it moves. Balke (1997) contends that, “The culture of children is threatened by mass media and overproduction of plastic playthings that are ready-made and demand nothing of the child” (p. 358). Sand, on the other hand, is well-suited to the explorative and imaginative nature of young children.

Why Play in Sand?
There is no right way to use sand. It invites participation; it permits children to make and test hypotheses; it stretches the imagination; it provides a potentially soothing sensory experience; and it is an excellent avenue for children to learn physical, cognitive, and social skills.

Because sand play is open-ended, the child determines the direction and path of his or her own play. This freedom then clears the way for the child to build developmental concepts.

According to constructivist theory (Piaget, 1945), children have an inner drive to build an understanding of their world as they explore and interact with materials. Concepts about how the world works are built gradually and become increasingly complex as the child enters a rich learning environment and exercises his or her freedom to play.”

We spent all morning outside! Initially, friends chose to spend their time in the sandbox. Then in other parts of the yard, they played chase…..

…..pushed the swing…

….explored bugs and earthworms with magnifying glasses…and recorded findings on a clipboard…

….created bug art using wooden spools, construction paper, stickers, pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks.

We rehearsed Spring Joy! and enjoyed every moment exercising our bodies and minds in the sunshine!

Breakfast this morning was Cheerios and pear slices. For lunch, Lisa prepared scrambled egg roll ups on whole wheat tortillas, carrots and pear slices.

Parent/Child Communication Starters:

• Where do earthworms live?
• Which part do you play in Pigs in the Mud? What is your line?
• Does sand feel wet or dry? Hot or cold? Hard or soft?
• What’s more fun than a rock?