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Welcome to our sand pits
What child doesn't like to play with sand? At BestStart Montessori Johnsonville we pride ourselves on our natural environment that allows children to explore either on their own or with their friends. Over the summer months we have found that children more than ever develop a sense of calmness and make new relationships whilst playing with sand. We are very lucky to have several options for the children to use this medium. Our front garden has two small rock lined sandpits tucked in between the trees. We also have a sand tray for those children that don't like to sit in the sand. Our back playground has a large square traditional sandpit with a mud kitchen attached. There is also a garden area we are digging up that the children are enjoying using their trucks and excavators in.
Inside our two classrooms we have a small sand tray that the children use to practice forming letters. By writing in the sand they are able to practice the techniques required when writing.
Dr Montessori said “There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature so that the child may better understand and participate in the marvellous things which civilization creates”.
What better way to experience this than to be in a calm, natural, enticing environment like our sandpits.