Sand and playing in the sandpit is one of the popular areas of play here in the Pitau (nursery) class at BestStart Kaikorai Valley Road.
As soon as we open the door to the outside everyday the children make a bee line for the sandpit.
We like to use the sand in lots of different ways to spark creativity and imagination. One example is adding water to discover different textures and consistencies and to make a mess of course!
It is so rewarding watching our small babies discover the sand for the first time. The children love to help select what toys they would like to put in the sandpit that day. We use lots of different buckets, spades, pots and spoons as the children create their masterpieces in the mud kitchen. Trucks and diggers also make an appearance most days as the children discover all the different ways to move and manipulate the sand.
Sand play is a way for the children to develop their collaborative play skills and make friends as they play alongside one another learning to take turns and share. Sand play also helps to develop muscles and fine motor skills that will eventually led the children to develop their writing skills ready for school.