Sandpits

F
or starters, sand helps kids develop a sense of texture. It’s unlike the textures they might be more used to, like grass, dirt, wood, or concrete and it feels different on their skin.

Sand pits boosts kids’ creativity. They can build so many different things, from castles to cities, and then come up with stories behind their creations. Give them a bucket, a shovel and a rake and let their imaginations run wild. Playing in the sand pit often leads to independent play, which is so important for kids.

If you’re using the sandpit at a park, this is a great opportunity for your child to practice his or her social skills. They can learn how to share their toys with other kids and ask to borrow other kids’ toys, they can play together and they can make new friends.

Playing with toys in the sandpit helps with hand-eye coordination, and if they fill up an entire bucket with sand and they try to move it, they’ll be working on muscle development in their arms. If they’re squatting or carrying that bucket, they’re working the muscles in their legs. And if they’re digging around and playing in the sand, they’re using the muscles in their arms and working on finger muscle control and strength.

Did you know the sandpit can teach them early math concepts, like capacity and volume? This is exactly what happens when they pour sand or water in and out of their containers. They’ll also learn about how many cups it takes to fill a bucket, compare two containers of different sizes willed with sand, and pour sand out of their container only to realize now it has less sand.

The sandpit is also the place to learn early science concepts. As they dig in the sand, they’ll find that there are different layers and the sand changes the deeper they go. The top sand is dry and warm and the sand underneath is cool and moist, similar to the layers of the earth. They’ll also see how water and sand interact with each other. 

Choosing The Right Sandpit

There are a few things to think about before you pick a backyard sandpit for your child.