For children’s early learning and education, it is essential parents let their children play and learn things from things around them. At WonderKindy, we encourage children at our centre to play with many elements among which sand and water are the favourites of kids. Children can play with these elements in a supervised environment, whether it is your home or a childcare centre in Australia. There are numerous benefits of sand and water play. So, if you are a parent of a young kid, read on to know the benefits of this messy yet fun playing activity for your child’s mental and physical development.
Improves Motor Skills
When children play with sand and water, it includes them scooping the elements, pouring them, and doing other activities that help in developing motor skills. Children need to learn how to control their hands, feet, and limbs to pick, grab, and move things. Therefore, this activity is excellent for improving and enhancing their motor skills.
Hones Speech and Communication Skills
During sand and water play children are more likely to engage in conversations with other children playing with them. Thus, this activity helps improve their language, communication and speech skills. During play, children share instructions and insights, helping them form friendships and bond with others. This improves their social skills and makes them create more social bonds and interact properly with other children.
Introduces them to Maths and Science Related Things
Sand and water play may seem normal and simple, but it introduces your children to a host of concepts and things of math and science. Your child is exposed to concepts of measuring, volume, capacity and many other mathematical aspects. What’s more, they can learn sand is solid and water is liquid. Also, when sand and water falls down it is due to gravity and much more. These kinds of concepts are good to create a good foundation for children and provide an early education to children.
Encourages them to be Creative
Children get excited when they are presented with opportunities to create and build things, which is why sand and water play is excellent for them. They can build castles, form shapes, pile wet sand and do many other things to be creative while having fun. It enhances their creative element and makes them think out of the box to create new things.
Improves Their Social and Emotional Awareness
When children engage in playful activities that increase their interaction with others, it is beneficial for their social-emotional well-being. Sand and water play encourages them to be helpful, work with others, and interact. When your child is in social situations and engages in acts involving emotions, it is the best time to help them hone their interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. They develop people skills and know how to communicate better. It also creates a sense of familiarity and makes them more at ease with approaching people in the future.
Helps Create a Bond with Parents
Studies have shown parents who engage in play with their children have better bonds with them. Therefore, when you help your child play with sand and water, it shows them affection and that you care for them. To play with sand and water, you can take your child to the beach or gather the elements in your yard.
The Bottom Line
Sand and water play may seem like a simple activity but for children, it is excellent for improving their mental and physical wellbeing. You must let them try this activity today to help them develop more and enjoy their learning right from the beginning.
