I recently completed a preschool ocean unit with my two kids, 4-year-old QBoy and 3-year-old XGirl. I try to incorporate sensory play into all of my units, so when I saw a recipe for sand clay, I just knew I had to try it with the kids. I thought it would be a great way to do some ocean-themed sensory play.
Note: For more resources, printables and activities related to the ocean and its inhabitants, please see my ocean unit study page.
We made our sand clay per the recipe I found at Creative Playhouse. I’ll be honest and say that our sand clay didn’t seem to come out as well as it did for Creative Playhouse. But the kids still enjoyed it nonetheless. 🙂
I split the sand clay into two piles and gave each kid a pile on a tray. I also gave them some shells to use with the sand clay.
They enjoyed pressing the shells into the sand clay.
But it wasn’t long before they decided to fill their bowls with sand clay too.
This lead to more scooping with the shells.
The kids also made “cakes” that they decorated with shells on top. And some of the shells got pushed deep into the sand in order to bury them.
Although the kids enjoyed the sand clay, I really wish we had done this outside to aid with clean up. It took forever to get all the gritty, sticky sand off our floor when we were done.
Also, don’t make the mistake I did and wash the sand clay down the garbage disposal. The disposal got jammed and I had to call a plumber out to fix it, which made this one very expensive activity!
More resources for learning about the ocean
More ocean posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Ocean Montessori activities
- Learning about ocean animals
- Salt water and waves science
- Shell activities
- Blubber experiment
- Ocean animals book & 3-part cards
- Ocean Printables Pack
- Ocean Do-a-Dot Printables
- Ocean I Spy
For more resources, printables and activities related to the ocean and its inhabitants, please see my Ocean Unit Study page and my Oceans Pinterest board.
My kids love playing in the sand at the beach–never really thought of finding a way to let them do it at the table. Wil have to try this!
Thanks for the idea! Too bad about the disposal expense – live and learn, eh?
Yes, that was definitely a live and learn experience. Uugh!
Oh, how fun!! I keep finding activities involving sand clay and haven’t made any yet. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
That is so wonderful. Thank u so much Katie.