Interest Areas Sand and Water

Activity Video – The Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood

What Scientific Principles Can a Preschooler Discover at the Sand/Water Table?  Finding out how things work  Using a magnifying glass  Exploring simple cause and effect  Comparing properties of materials  Freezing and melting  Pumping water  Object permanence

Other Attributes of sand and Water Area  Provides a variety of tactile experiences  Allows children with limited fine motor skills to experience success  Can be relaxing for children with high energy and/or emotional disabilities

How Does Sand and Water Enhance Children’s Development in These Areas?  Social  Cognitive  Motor  Self-help

How Does Sand and Water Facilitate Literacy in These Areas?  Expanding children’s vocabulary and language  Understanding books and other texts  Teaching children about print, letters and words

Locating a Space for Sand and Water  Enclosed on 3 sides  Near other noisy areas  Appropriate floor covering

Selecting Appropriate Furniture for Sand and Water Area  Have both Sand and Water available if possible  Have at least one Water Table  Large enough for cooperative play  Make accommodations for children with special needs

Materials to Use in Sand/Water Table  Different types of sand  Different colored water  Beans  Rice  Cornmeal  Sawdust  Ooblick  Gak

Props for Sand and Water Table  Look for items that are versatile  Meet the varied developmental levels  As children gain experience, add more and more props

Kits for Sand and Water Play  Bathing babies  Washing dishes  Sink and float  Building a city

Checklist for Developing Your Classroom Sand and Water Area