Interest Areas

1
Interest Areas

• Sand and Water

2
Activity

• Video The Creative Curriculum for Early
  Childhood

3
What Scientific Principles Can a Preschooler
Discover at the Sand/Water Table?

• Finding out how things work
• Using a magnifying glass
• Exploring simple cause and effect
• Comparing properties of materials
• Freezing and melting
• Pumping water
• Object permanence

4
Other Attributes of sand and Water Area

• Provides a variety of tactile experiences
• Allows children with limited fine motor skills to
  experience success
• Can be relaxing for children with high energy
  and/or emotional disabilities

5
How Does Sand and Water Enhance Childrens
Development in These Areas?

• Social
• Cognitive
• Motor
• Self-help

6
How Does Sand and Water Facilitate Literacy in
These Areas?

• Expanding childrens vocabulary and language
• Understanding books and other texts
• Teaching children about print, letters and words

7
Locating a Space forSand and Water

• Enclosed on 3 sides
• Near other noisy areas
• Appropriate floor covering

8
Selecting Appropriate Furniture for Sand and
Water Area

• Have both Sand and Water available if possible
• Have at least one Water Table
• Large enough for cooperative play
• Make accommodations for children with special
  needs

9
Materials to Use inSand/Water Table

• Different types of sand
• Different colored water
• Beans
• Rice
• Cornmeal
• Sawdust
• Ooblick
• Gak

10
Props for Sand and Water Table

• Look for items that are versatile
• Meet the varied developmental levels
• As children gain experience, add more and more
  props

11
Kits for Sand and Water Play

• Bathing babies
• Washing dishes
• Sink and float
• Building a city

12
Checklist for Developing Your Classroom Sand and
Water Area