“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Fred Rogers
We have all been there, living the simple carefree days of childhood where the only concern is playing with sand all day. Growing up with a sister, there was never a dull time for us, and one of our top entertainment activities used to involve all kinds of games with sand. Summer time at the beach meant endless possibilities; from writing on sand, making sandcastles to building entire cities – you name it. Of course, you do not have to wait for your summer holiday to give your children the pleasure of playing with sand since there is the perfect invention called sandpit.
If you wonder what is it about sand that fascinates children, know there is actually more to it than meets the eye; there are so many developmental benefits linked to sand-related games. Any type of play for that matter. As Fred Rogers, a famous American television personality and puppeteer once said, play is very essential for a child’s learning and development.
This particular kind of sensory play enables them to perceive the world around them, learn more about the sand texture and how water affects its structure. The most basic contact between a child and sand leads to all the complex processes, such as the physical and cognitive development, as well as promoting social skills.
All the lifting, pouring and digging through the sandpit activates child’s muscles and helps build strength. Writing on the sand enables them to extend their vocabulary, while finding better ways to create sand structures that are more endurable, boosts the development of their cognitive skills. The new vocabulary acquired helps build social skills by communicating with other children.
To find the perfect sandpit for your children, you have to have in mind how much of a space you would actually need to fit it in your yard. There is a wide range of different sandpit models you can choose from, differing in size and price respectively. They also come in different shapes which makes it all the more fun. The varieties are endless and you may also opt for designs that feature a covering so that not even rain could interrupt your child’s play. I would personally recommend a sandpit that features a nice simple design, is inexpensive and above all, easy to maintain.
The fun part aside, have in mind to take precautions considering hygiene. To ensure your child’s sandpit is the safe haven for playing, always keep it covered when not in use to prevent any uninvited guests (animals) from visiting and littering. Along with this, the sand always has to be dry and clean because wet sand is literally the breathing ground for parasites and bacteria.
