Sand is a great sensory material for children to explore. It is versatile and easy to find, and it even changes properties when water is added. You do not need to have an elaborate sandbox or table for sand play activities; simply use a plastic dish bin. Add a shovel, a funnel, and other simple tools, and your child will have all he needs. You will need to tell your child that the sand must stay in the container.

Pirate's Treasure

Your toddler will enjoy searching for the buried treasure! You may choose to think of other interesting things to bury.

• Paint the rocks and let them dry.

• Hide the rocks in the sandbox and let your child dig for treasure!

Roadway

This activity combines the fun of sensory play with your child's imagination. You can also adapt this activity for any outdoor dirt area.

• Show your child how to use the spatula to draw roads and passageways in the sand.

• Let him create the roadways and then drive the vehicles around.

Sand Squiggles

This simple project is very easy and yet creates a beautiful result. Add some glitter to the sand for a special effect.

• Show your child how to squeeze the glue bottle to drizzle a design onto the paper. You may need to put your hand over his to guide him. Fine squiggly lines work better than big blobs.

• Have your child use the spoon to sprinkle sand all over the picture.

• Help your child tilt the paper over a garbage receptacle so that the excess sand falls off. Let the picture dry.