“Sand Play” explained in 4 pictures

Free printable Kids’ Encyclopedia

Young children understand the feel of sand, how its shape changes, ways to play using tools, and the rules for playing safely

Sand is made of many tiny grains gathered together.
When you touch it with your hand, it feels smooth and loose.
When you hold it, it spills through the spaces between your fingers.

💬 What Is Sand Like?

Sand is made of many tiny grains gathered together. When you touch it with your hand, it feels smooth and loose. When you hold it, it spills through the spaces between your fingers.

🤔 What does sand feel like when you touch it?

When you mix a little water into sand, it becomes easier to press together.
Wet sand can be shaped into hills or balls.
If there is too much water, it becomes muddy.

💬 Mix in Water and You Can Make Shapes

When you mix a little water into sand, it becomes easier to press together. Wet sand can be shaped into hills or balls. If there is too much water, it becomes muddy.

🤔 What is different about loose dry sand and wet sand?

You can scoop sand with a shovel.
If you put sand in a bucket and turn it over, you can make a shape.
When you use molds, you can make many different shapes.

💬 Let’s Play with Tools

You can scoop sand with a shovel. If you put sand in a bucket and turn it over, you can make a shape. When you use molds, you can make many different shapes.

🤔 Which tool would you like to try using?

Do not throw sand at people.
Do not put sand in your mouth.
After playing, wash your hands well.

💬 Play Safely and Have Fun

Do not throw sand at people. Do not put sand in your mouth. After playing, wash your hands well.

🤔 What feels good to do after playing with sand?