Why a sand tray?
Dr. Montessori wanted children to be able to have concrete experiences when doing work with the letters and sounds. The sand tray helps with the development of both reading and writing and learning to copy.
This DIY is so simple and such fun!
I bought this wooden box and colored sand at Michaels with a coupon. They were both very cheap. You could also use any container you have at home that wouldn’t leak sand. Personally, I love how the sand moves through your fingers, but if you can’t find any sand, you could use grits or any other fine grain.
I will give you the lesson as well for your presentation for homeschool. This lesson or “work” is appropriate for children from ages 2 1/2-6.
Supplies:
- A leak-proof box for sand that the children can easily hold and carry themselves.
- Colored sand or another fine grain.
- Sandpaper letters or a letter on its own.
Lesson:
- Invite your child to do a lesson with you and ask them to sit next to you at the table.
- Demonstrate how to choose a letter and bring it to the work table.
- Carry the sandbox/tray to the table.
- Trace your letter with two fingers and say only the sound it makes (not its name).
- Make the shape of the letter in the sand and say its sound.
- Give your box a shake and push it over to the child for them to try. First, tracing the letter than making it in the tray, both times saying its sound.
- Allow them to continue on their own, retrieving another letter from their shelf, and tracing it on their own.
- If your child says the wrong sound, simply trace and make the sound again for them—no need to correct.
This is great!
Thanks! ox
What is the name of the box you got?! I can’t seem to find a good one like this…thanks!
I bought it at Michaels craft store where they have the wooden items that you can paint yourself I’ve also seen these at other craft stores. Type in wooden box when you go to Michael’s and you should see a ton of them online. I’ll try attaching it as well right now. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
https://www.michaels.com/search?q=Wooden%20box