Sense of touch- Activity 4

Sand Sensory Play

Many parent frown on their kids playing sand as they deem it to be dirty and difficult to clean up afterwards. 

However, I love to bring my children to beaches or even to the nearby playground to just play with sand. My kids started playing sand when they are about 10 months old. Old enough to sit and stand. Parents just have to make sure your child doesn't eat the sand. 

Not all the kids will like sand at first as they are used to concrete grounds and some children maybe afraid to even stand on sand due to the different texture. Encourage your child by placing some of his/her favourite toy some distance away and get your child to try and reach for it. Or you can try burying the toys slightly so that your child will have the incentive to touch and brush away the sand to get the toy. 

There are in fact some benefits for sand playing. 

First of all, it develops the sense of touch and also promotes physical development. Your child would practice gross motor skills by digging, pouring and scooping the sand. Also, fine motor skills and eye hand coordination is at work when your child learns to manipulate the sand toys.  

Secondly, sand play encourages creativity and imagination. There is no limits to what you can create with sand. You can cook, dig wells, build volcanoes, dig tunnels or roads. With some sand toys, you can build sand castles and any other items with your child. When your child is too young to build, build it for your child and see what your child does. Most of the time, they will either step on it or sweep it to destroy it before giving you a grin.

Thirdly, sand play at the playground promotes social interaction. As your child grows older, you will see your child approaching other children with other sand toys and they will actually play cooperatively to build something or they may just exchange their sand toys. This is where your child can pick up social skills such as how to approach another child, how to share, how to compromise or negotiate. Remember, as parents, try not to interfere too much when your child is at play at the playground. Give him the opportunity to approach others and to communicate what he wants. Even though your child may not be able to speak, your child and the other child will be able to reach a level of understanding.