Exploratory Play

Fun, creative activities for kids, including kids craft ideas to keep them amused for hours!

Sand Tray Pre-Writing Activity

This is an excellent activity for developing prewriting skills. Drawing in sand also creates a wonderful sensory experience ideal for a variety of activities and age groups.

  • It may be useful to place a splash mat under the work surface to catch any excess sand.
  • Step 1Place your light panel onto the work surface.
  • Make sure the cord is not a trip hazard.
  • Step 2Place your tray on top of your light panel and plug it into the power point. Turn the light panel on.
  • Spread the sand out with your hands and then gently shake the tray from side to side for a smooth and even surface.
  • Step 3Pour a thin layer of sand into your tray. Make sure the whole surface is covered but not too thick. We suggest no more than 0.5cm deep.
  • Step 4Using fingers or cotton tips, draw shapes and patterns into the sand.
  • Step 5Create your flash cards, filling them with simple shapes. These are great for younger children. Or let them experiment with drawing their own.
  • Step 6You could even make it a game for older children. Choose a word and then have a child draw the image in the sand while the others guess what it is!

Materials used in this activity

Ultra Bright LED Light Panel - A3
Optional
Product Code: 14924
EACH $219.99 (inc GST) $199.99 (ex GST)
2 or more $186.99 (inc GST) $169.99 (ex GST)          
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Flash Cards - Coloured - Pack of 100
Optional
Product Code: 15285
EACH $18.69 (inc GST) $16.99 (ex GST)
4 or more $14.95 (inc GST) $13.59 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Coloured Sand - 1kg - Set of 12 Colours
Optional
Product Code: 15373
EACH $126.49 (inc GST) $114.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $109.99 (inc GST) $99.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Exploration Light Tray
Optional
Product Code: 16620
EACH $87.99 (inc GST) $79.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $70.39 (inc GST) $63.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Cotton Tips - Pack of 300
Optional
Product Code: 20681
EACH $8.79 (inc GST) $7.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $6.59 (inc GST) $5.99 (ex GST)          
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