Playing in the sand is an activity that pleases children of all ages, offering much more than just fun moments and good family memories. You may think that the only place, or at least the ideal place, to play in the sand is the beach, but not everyone has it nearby so that they can go on weekends or vacations; however, there are sand tables, suitable spaces that can be placed in playgrounds or even in homes, where children can play freely with sand at any time and have the same benefits of playing in a larger space, as it could be a beach. Below, we will explain five benefits of sand tables.
Structures sensory development
Playing with sand strengthens the senses and stimulates experimentation. In the case of the sense of touch, the child can feel pressure, temperature, and different textures, for example, when the sand is wet, in the sun (hotter), or in the shade (cooler); The vestibular sense is also exercised by understanding how the body moves and balances on the surface, and the proprioceptive sense by being aware of the parts of the body and how they function in the environment.
Improves physical fitness
Sand surfaces are a different environment that helps strengthen the muscular and skeletal system, helps with balance, as it is an irregular surface, and increases strength, for example, when lifting buckets filled with sand. It also favors gross and fine motor skills when using other toys such as sand buckets, shovels, blocks, or others, which also helps with hand-eye coordination, which is essential in the reading-writing process.
Helps cognitive development
Cognitive development is the process where children acquire knowledge through learning and experience. With the evolution of intellectual abilities, the child learns to use memory, language, perception, problem-solving, and perception, since it is also possible to make traces in the sand, whether figures, letters, or numbers, among others, taking the teaching to a fun and attractive level. In the case of sand tables, they help children with basic concepts such as full-empty, heavy-light, up-down, near-far, and outside-inside.
Increases creativity and imagination
One of the most significant advantages of sand tables is that they greatly help the development of creativity and imagination, as they can build castles, pits, mountains, dolls, and even entire cities; additionally, they explore new textures if water is added, activating enthusiasm and excitement for the game. By including other toys and tools such as shovels, cars, figures, and others, there are no limits to creating endless games and spending hours of fun.
Helps with social and language skills
Sand tables allow for individual or group play, a great way for children to interact by sharing sand toys or building together, practicing social skills, and creating collaborative space. In addition, they use their problem-solving skills, and communication is stimulated by transmitting their ideas to work together and share with their peers.
What did you think of this topic? What other benefits do you think sand tables have?
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