How to play:
You will need a sand pit, but you can also use a large tray that was pre-filled with sand. Add in colourful toys and buckets as well as plastic containers and funnels.
As a sensory activity: Sit with your baby in the sandpit and encourage them to wriggle their toes in the sand. Talk to your baby about how the sand feels on their toes. Use words such as “heavy” or “ticklish”.
You can try out more sensory experiences by:
- Teaching your baby the difference between dry and wet sand. While doing this, talk to your baby using words such as “wet” and “dry”, “cool” or “warm”.
- Pouring sand on their hands and feet so they can feel the sensation it causes
As a socialisation activity: Gather more babies and have them play together in the sandpit. A parent or carer should supervise each baby to ensure they are always safe. You can build a castle and encourage the babies to knock it over. Talk to the babies about how it feels to knock the castle down; use words such as “heavy”, “fun”, “light”.
Why is this activity important for your baby?
Playing with your baby in the sandpit helps them understand their environment and assists in language development. By adding toys to the activity, your baby also develops their fine and gross motor skills.