“Sand and Mud” explained in 4 pictures

Free printable Kids’ Encyclopedia

Helping young children understand the feel of sand and mud, how they change with water, ways to play with them, and how to enjoy them safely

Sand is made up of many tiny grains gathered together.
Dry sand feels loose and smooth.
When you touch it with your hand, it slips through your fingers.

💬 What is sand like?

Sand is made up of many tiny grains gathered together. Dry sand feels loose and smooth. When you touch it with your hand, it slips through your fingers.

🤔 What does loose, dry sand feel like when you touch it?

When you mix water with sand or soil, it becomes mud.
Mud is soft and sticky.
When there is a lot of water, it becomes very muddy.

💬 When you mix in water, it becomes mud

When you mix water with sand or soil, it becomes mud. Mud is soft and sticky. When there is a lot of water, it becomes very muddy.

🤔 What is different about dry sand and wet mud?

When you squeeze wet sand, it can become a shape.
You can make hills or put it into molds.
If you touch it gently, the shape may crumble.

💬 You can make shapes and play

When you squeeze wet sand, it can become a shape. You can make hills or put it into molds. If you touch it gently, the shape may crumble.

🤔 What kind of shape would you like to make with sand?

Do not put sand or mud in your mouth.
Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
After playing, wash your hands clean.

💬 After playing happily, wash your hands

Do not put sand or mud in your mouth. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. After playing, wash your hands clean.

🤔 After playing in the sand, what parts should you wash clean?