YoungHandsLove2Learn: Take me to the beach!

On cold wintry/rainy days all I want to do is go to an island and lay in the hot warm sand! But that is not going to happen! So we bring the beach to us! For Christmas Eli received this started set of "Sands Alive!" I love this stuff. It is not messy and cleans up really easy. It molds like normal sand or clay but can be easily reshaped. I have also found several recipes online and they only take two simple ingredients. 8 cups of flour, 1 cup of baby oil! You could add a little food coloring and make it any color you would like.
Sand and moldable objects such as play dough, salt dough and cookie dough are fabulous for fine motor development and hand eye coordination. They provide an activity that strengthens fingers for holding pencils, crayons, etc.

Hint: Using a cookie sheet helps contain the mess and makes for easy clean up!

To make the sand more enticing try changing up the objects you put into it. Try using everyday cooking tools such as measuring spoons, a funnel and a plate to flatten it down. They make for an easy cheap alternative then buying all those made for dough toys. You could also put bath toys, cookie cutters, army men, hot wheels, my little ponies, etc. Remember to think outside the box!
Often times as parents we feel the need to show our children how to do everything. Although it is not a bad thing to help and be an example (because heaven knows we are the biggest examples in their lives) it is important to let your child explore on his or her own. The more they figure out on their own the more their brain will grow. So take a step back and watch them explore. It is amazing what they can discover on their own. Just remember to keep a close eye! Safety is always the most important thing!
I hope that you are excited to try sand dough with your kiddos! Below is a recipe for DIY Sand Dough! Try making your own! Take pictures and hash tag them #younghandslove2learn. I want to see how your kiddos are using their hands to grow and develop!