Sand

Sand

Sand play is the ultimate early childhood experience. Babies and toddlers can indulge in sensory explorations while learning the social boundaries of eating and throwing sand. Preschool children can use their large muscles to build elaborate structures while experimenting with maths and science.

Sandpits that combine sand and water are a fundamental feature of Australian childcare centres. This educational experience can also be found in nature, at a river or beach.

EYLF learning outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) supports children connecting with natural materials (4.4) that teach respect for the environment (2.4) and provoke curiosity, imagination, creativity (4.1), problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2).

Learning experiences

Manipulate sand

Children can manipulate sand in a variety of ways:

  • Digging holes, trenches and tunnels. 
  • Pushing objects into sand (e.g. sticks and feet).
  • Scooping sand into containers. Pouring sand from one container into another. 
  • Packing sand tightly and moulding wet sand into shapes.
  • Sifting through strainers and sprinkling with fingers.
  • Smoothing sand to create flat surfaces.
  • Mark making with fingers, sticks or other tools.
  • Throwing balls of wet sand to see them splat.
  • Mixing sand with water or mud.

Learning environments

Add items to your sandpit

  • Natural materials you find in your playground. 
  • Wooden logs, tree stumps, planks of timber, timber pallets, ladders, tyres, boxes and crates for building and stacking.
  • Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows and buckets.
  • Funnels, tubing and plastic pipes for pouring and transferring liquids.
  • Cooking utensils like pots, sieves, strainers, bowls, containers, measuring cups, plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. Children always love teaspoons!
  • Small toys such as animals, cars, trucks and people.
  • A treasure chest with a surprise inside for whoever digs deep enough to find it!
  • Water.

Resources

Websites