Delight The Senses Of Children With A Sand Table

Not only do sand tables delight the senses of children, they can also challenge a child's mind. Playing in different types of materials is important to children's development in being able to identify different textures and physical properties. Language skills are expanded by learning new words to describe what they are touching and with what they are playing.

Sand tables are versatile as to how they are used. Many sand tables have inserts that can be inexpensively purchased to turn them into water tables, providing a manageable indoor (or outdoor) play station for children. The contents of a sand table are almost endless, but a few ideas are listed below:

* water
* bubber
* wood chips
* small sized gravel
* sand
* leaves
* small balls
* wheat or rice
* snow

While being mindful in selecting the material to put in the sand table, providing simple props will enhance children's exploration and creativity. Below is a list of items that can be added to your sand table:

* bulb baster
* tongs
* colander
* corks
* egg beaters
* eye droppers
* funnels
* tooth or scrub brushes
* water wheels
* boats
* bubble wands
* squeeze bottles
* cups/buckets
* plastic or rubber fish
* letter molds
* cookie cutters
* ping pong balls
* sticks
* measuring spoons
* fishing bobbers

Chose from this list, items that are age appropriate and that will heighten the children's curiosity. Start with a few items, adding props slowly and rotating them to maintain the children's interest. Notice that this list contains may inexpensive household items, including items that many of us throw away. Group these items by function, such as those that float, measure, write and blow bubbles etc. Storing these items can be challenging as well. Hang items on peg boards at the children's eye level. Store grouped items in plastic tubs or bins, or netted or nylon bags.

By: Sarah Schwendeman

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sarah Schwendeman is the author and can provide additional information about the necessity of providing children with environments in which to play with sand and water and the benefits it provides in their early childhood development. Visit www.sandboxlot.com to view quality children's sand boxes and sand and water tables. Provide your child with a place to go for hours of entertainment so they may learn while playing!