April begins our new study of plants, flowers and things that grow! Carter caught me switching out materials last night, so he woke up ready to go this morning. I did manage to get him to finish half of his breakfast before we dove into the first activity.
He first chose the sand tray. I can’t say that I blame him. Though it was so simple to make, the feeling of drawing in the sand is such a peaceful and relaxing one. I had to play with it for a bit last night. I used an aluminum baking tray (the size meant for toaster ovens) and some superfine craft sand that I had laying around from my artsy crafty days.
I introduced the sand tray to Carter by showing him that letters can be formed in the sand using our fingers. I watched him draw letters and make up words: CEET=SEAT. When his finger turned into a racecar and began to make roads through the sand, I took that as my cue that he was ready to move forward.
Next, I used some leftover card stock from my cutting adventures (which you will see the results of throughout the month in various activities) to make some short words and simple pictures for him to use with the sand tray. Be sure to stick with short words, unless you have a BIG tray. And, I am a fan of computer generated ANYTHING, but it’s also important that you model drawing and writing for your child often. This is one way.
And, I wanted to share something from yesterday evening. While I was making dinner, Carter pulled out an activity from the past. As you can see, I had already began to reuse the construction paper for other things, so I’d marked the place setting paper off his interests. But last night he brought it back out for the purpose of a snack party with some of his fluffy friends.
But then, sometimes walking around with a cool box on your head is more fun than anything! I couldn’t help but think about the movie Parenthood with Steve Martin. (They made fun of his child for walking around with a box on his head.)
Enjoy and thanks for your comments!
This activity can also be seen on One Hook Wonder’s Montessori Monday.
L is for Learning 
What a great post and site. I just found you on the blog hop and am so happy I did. You are doing such wonderful stuff and it is so nice to hear that Carter is so excited about learning.
Drawing in the sand is a great activity. It helps him develop a kinesthetic sense (sense of touch) while exploring letters in three dimensions (which will help with memory).
Thank you so much, Meryl!
I love the sand tray. I’ve been thinking of making one too. Do you keep the sand in there or store it in something else between uses?
Thank you so much, Joy! I keep it in there, but I’m able to do this because my son is very careful with materials and hates messes. If I had another child in the house, I likely wouldn’t be able to do that.