| Sand and water play can be made even more | | | | play, and to engage in fantasy with their friends. |
| interesting by introducing a theme like creating an | | | | They can make individual ocean floor worlds or one |
| ocean floor. Invite the children to imagine an ocean | | | | big ocean floor that they create together. |
| floor and to think of some items they might find | | | | Sensory Effects |
| there. Encourage them to think of both natural and | | | | The sound of waves lapping against the shore is |
| unnatural items they might find and encourage their | | | | probably one of the most satisfying sounds of |
| budding imaginations by allowing them to add objects | | | | nature. Children at the sand and water table can |
| that they wouldn't likely find on an ocean floor, such | | | | mimic this sound by making miniature waves, |
| as a horse or a car. | | | | splashing water, creating a shore with extra sand, |
| Ocean Objects | | | | and even building tiny sand castles to knock down |
| The kinds of materials that you provide for preschool | | | | with the waves. You could also set out large |
| children to create an ocean floor at the sand and | | | | seashells and have them listen to the ocean within |
| water table are limited only by their imagination and | | | | the shell. The feeling of water, shells, and wet sand |
| your budget. Some ideas of sand and water toys for | | | | running through fingers often has a soothing effect |
| creating an ocean floor are sea shells, pretty rocks or | | | | on young children. |
| minerals, toy fish or plants, a treasure chest, a | | | | Another way for children to use their sense of touch |
| sunken ship, tiny divers and toy boats. | | | | at the sand and water table is by searching the sand |
| This may be a good opportunity to talk about all the | | | | for hidden objects. You can hide small rings or stones |
| different creatures that live in the ocean from the | | | | or some type of treasure that they can find and |
| giant whales to the tiniest crabs and shrimp. You | | | | take home with them. |
| could also start a conversation about the food chain | | | | The sand and water table is a place for dynamic |
| or about the importance of keeping pollution out of | | | | exploration and activity. An ocean floor theme |
| the ocean. | | | | provides a delightful sensory experience for preschool |
| Sand and Water Play | | | | children. They will enjoy finding hidden objects and |
| Once the objects are added to sand and water | | | | creating an imaginary ocean world while developing |
| table, children can arrange them into different scenes, | | | | their motor skills. This sand and water activity can |
| creating imaginary worlds below the surface of the | | | | also help preschool children identify ocean life, as well |
| water. Moving objects and fish through the water | | | | as benefit from the soothing properties of sand and |
| provides an opportunity to act out a story, to role | | | | water. |