Benefits of Sand and Water Play

Sand and water are simple elements which can both play significant roles in child development. It provides them with the chance to play and have fun outdoors whilst experimenting, learning and building vital skills.

Sand and water play generates countless benefits for children in the areas of physical, mental and emotional growth. Being in an outdoor setting is key to the health and wellbeing of children. The more time children spend outdoors, the more likely they are to connect with the environment. Not only does this heighten their sense of relaxation, but also releases endorphins to keep children smiling all day. The skills used for sand and water play, including; digging, scooping, pouring and building encourages gross motor skills and muscle development.

Along with physical and emotional growth, kids water play has significant benefits for children’s brain power through the practice of maths and science. Mathematics measurements are easily incorporated into sand and water play through the use of measuring cups and spoons, different sized containers, and scales to gain an understanding of weight and counting. Children are also encouraged to experiment with the elements, which exposes them to early learning science. Children can experience different textures and consistencies, and experiment with adding rocks and other objects to the water.

There are a number of ways you can incorporate sand and water into children’s playtime, all of which address different development skills and age groups. Fahr Industries offer a range of sand and water modules including the Sand and Water Basin which has a high impact on children and higher-level learning. Some of the learning skills include:

Sensory Exploration: Allowing children to learn with hands-on materials and take in new information through their senses.
Mathematical Learning: The Sand and Water Basin is an introduction to higher-level thinking concepts like volume. Children are able to use the sand to create shapes and structures alongside estimating how much sand it takes to fill a bucket.
Scientific Concepts: The basin introduces children to early physics concepts like motion and flowing water. Children have the opportunity to predict which items will sink and which will float.
Language Development: In a school, the basin is a wonderful environment to create conversations between children. Young children typically play together in these areas, develop detailed imaginary play ideas and ask one another questions.
Social Skills: As children want to play in school playgrounds, they must learn how to take turns and share the available materials.
Creativity: The basin is a classic example of open-ended materials that do not have one specific purpose. Children focus on the process of playing with sand and water instead of trying to create an end product.

Sand and water play can also be used as another platform to encourage other types of play. For example, sand is an ideal setting for imaginative play while children can create blocks and other construction structures using both sand and water.

If you would like to integrate more sand and water play products into your setting, please get in touch. We will be able to answer any questions you may have, as well as provide you with some ideas for maximising your space and investing in the right equipment.