Winter is not the ideal time to go to the beach (Well, not to swim and have fun in the sun, anyway). But that doesn’t mean the ‘beach’ can’t come to you. But using just two ingredients from the pantry, my little ones and I were able to make sand and almooooost pretend it’s summer.
Sand is not just fun. It’s FUNdamental learning for children in terms of sensory play; to learn about math and volume (science), and the ability to be creative as well. Read my article about the benefits of sand play here. After leaning more about its developmental benefits I’m much more happy about cleaning the gritty stuff from every nook and crevice of my toddler’s clothing and body after a fun day in the sandpit at daycare.
DIY Sand
If you can’t get to the beach or don’t want to buy sand from the store (places like Kings Plant Barn and Mitre 10 sell bags of sand), make your own ‘sand’ at home with this pantry staples:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- ½ cup oil
Method:
Mix ingredients together until the flour feels silky and sandy, but holds its shape if you squeeze it or roll it. Store ‘sand’ in an airtight container when not in use.
Take care,
Pamela
Editor, Tots To Teens
