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Sand and Water Table Ideas

Saptakee Sengupta
A sand table can be one of the easiest, yet most entertaining playthings you can give your child. Read on to know more about constructing this simple structure...
Building sand and water tables at home is something definitely attainable. The ideas can be framed with your basic skills. These tables should be a little larger than a coffee table. You can utilize old and unused table frames for this purpose. The table top should resemble a reservoir having boundaries, so that the water doesn't leak out.
Raise the sides of the table by attaching foot-long plywood sheets to the four sides of the table. Seal the corners with an adhesive to allow retention of water. This will make the table heavy, but it will be more difficult for your child to displace it while playing. Now fill the space with sand/water till the brim of the reservoir.
Once the sand and water table is ready you can apply various themes to it. Your kids can learn and play simultaneously when you implement playful and educational themes. One of the most common ideas used in preschools is the incorporation of maths and alphabet games.
Get numerical and alphabet blocks from stores and let them float on the water. In the process of learning, teach children the characters so that they can recognize them the next time they see them. Hide the blocks in the sand and ask them to find and recognize them. This way they will develop the potential to learn quickly.
You can also provide various kinds of floating toys. Get a bottle of spray, water colors, straws, and small pebbles. Now demonstrate the response of the water when interacting with these substances. For example, explain how colors mix when sprayed on or diluted with water. Show them the formation of ripples when water is blown with a straw. If the sand table is dry, then your kids will enjoy making sand crafts and drawing in it.
Apart from the fun, you have to keep a constant eye while they are playing with water and sand. Make sure they do not engage into any sort of messy activities with their playmates or rub their eyes with sandy hands.
You should also arrange for towels and extra clothing, in case they get wet while playing. A little caution from your side will allow your kids to enjoy for longer.