One-inch Sandbox Ideas

There are few developmental tools in a teacher’s toolbox as easy, enjoyable, and beneficial as sensory play.

Combine that with your student’s natural love for the outdoors and sand, and it’s no wonder why more and more programs are adding sand playing into their weekly lesson plans.

But, not all child sandbox explorations are created equal.

At ChildCare Education Institute, we’re dedicated to giving childcare pros like you the training and tools you need to help your students grow and develop.

That’s why we’re sharing these sandbox ideas that will have your tots learning and loving every minute!

Gardening galore.

The best sandbox ideas incorporate things you’re already teaching in the classroom, and this one does just that! Start by introducing your students to flowers and plants and teaching them how they’re grown. Then, give your kids mini shovels, rakes, and rocks and send them to the sandbox to practice “planting” as they’ve learned. After sand playing, please allow them to put their new skills into practice by planting small succulents that can live in the classroom.

Order up.

Playing pretend is a great way for your students to improve their creativity, language, and communication skills —thankfully, plenty of sandbox ideas incorporate it! Turn your sandbox into a restaurant by giving your kids old plastic bowls, small pie plates, and other kitchen utensils. Then, have them “cook up” different items and share them. Your students will love this fun take on sand playing, and it’ll give them the chance to mingle with their classmates.

Sandcastles.

Let your students show off their creativity — while also teaching them the basics of building — by hosting a sandcastle competition. Give your students the tools they need to develop, including shovels, buckets, and small pails of water, and let them create whatever their heart desires. If you have a large class, try separating your students into groups and having them work on joint castles. That way, they’ll be able to practice their teamwork skills simultaneously.

Archeological digs.

By planning a fun child sandbox hunt, teach your students about dinosaurs and archeologists. Start the day by reading a dinosaur-themed book to your students, so they know what types of creatures they’ll be “hunting” later in the day. Then, when it’s time to go outside, hide plastic dinosaurs and related toys throughout the sandbox. Give each student a small shovel and a bucket for gathering, and send them out to explore. Once recess is over, invite your students back inside and ask them to share their findings with the class. For bonus fun, end the day by showing a classic dinosaur movie such as The Good Dinosaur or Land Before Time.

Under construction.

This sandbox idea is another fun way to introduce professions to your students. Start by showing your students the machinery often seen at construction sites. This includes trucks, tractors, cranes, and more. Then, invite them out to the sandbox to play with toy-sized versions. While playing, please encourage them to mimic how the items are used in real life. For example, if one of your students is playing with a dump truck, have them work with another child to fill the backup with sand, “drive” it across the box and unload it. Pass out hard plastic hats for recess to help your students feel extra immersed.

Magnet magic.

This fun sand-playing activity turns your child’s sandbox into an active science experiment! Before your students go outside, hide tiny metal objects or coins underneath the top layer of sand. Then, give your students small magnets and have them gently brush the surface until they pick up an item. Once everything has been found, bring your students back inside and walk them through the science behind the “magic” they saw.

Volcanic explosions.

Another one of our favorite science-themed sandbox ideas is to create a volcanic eruption for your entire class to see. First, ask your students to work together to create a large pile of sand in the middle of the box. Let them know this represents the base of the volcano. Then, have them step back while you fill the volcano with vinegar. Have your kids count down from five, and then pour baking soda inside to start the eruption. Once the explosion is over, bring your students back inside from their sand playing and show them kid-friendly videos of what it looks like when real volcanoes erupt.

Letter searches.

Use sand playing to teach your students literacy by hiding large foam letters throughout the sandbox. Then, have circle time outside and review your classroom’s sight words. When you get to a new comment, pick a student to hunt for the word’s first letter in the sandbox. When they find the note, have them bring it back and tell the classroom what letter it is.

 I am feeling beachy.

When it comes to sandbox ideas, there aren’t many as fun and immersive for students as this. Teach your kiddos about different ecosystems and places by turning your sand area into a makeshift beach. Put up an umbrella in one corner and spread shells along one edge. If possible, put a smaller water bin behind the covers and fill it with plastic fish and sea-themed toys. Then, invite your students out for a day at the beach. Have them note the things they see and let them share their observations when you’re back inside. Finish the lesson by reading one of these books.

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