Making Letters in the Sand

[20 Minutes]

Try this sensory experience that will help your child develop the finger muscles necessary for writing!

You'll need:

• stick • sand

What to do:

1. Invite your child to play with sand, either at the beach, in a sandbox, or in a tub filled with sand.
2. Show him the first letter of his name. Ask him if he would like to draw the letter using his finger or a stick. Talk about how the letter sounds. If he is interested, encourage him to imitate the sound.
3. Draw the letter in the sand.
4. Help your child draw the letter by guiding his hand only if he wishes.
5. As you both write the letter in the sand, sing this song together. (Tune: "Here We Go 'Round The Mulberry Bush"):

   With my stick I'll draw a letter,
   Draw a letter, draw a letter.
   With my stick I'll draw a letter,
   I made an "A" today!

6. Change the letter name in the last verse with each chorus.
7. Invite your child to draw freely in the sand.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Would you like to draw the first letter of your name?
• Which letter did you draw in the sand?
• How does the sand feel on your fingers?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop eye-hand coordination and pre-writing skills.