7 Benefits of Babies Playing with Sand - Early Childhood启蒙 - Hexun Blog

In the eyes of psychologists, babies like to play with sand because such games make them feel happy, and it has very important value in promoting the development of babies. Playing with sand is not only a game, but more importantly, it has too many benefits for the growth of babies. Here are 7 benefits of playing with sand for babies:

1. Develop sensory perception

The early development of infants and toddlers is mainly the development of sensory movement, and sand can provide special sensory perception. During the process of playing with sand, they will come into contact with sand of different textures, such as wet sand, dry sand, and sand with different particle sizes. Sand has fluidity, so it will sink when stepped on, and can slide down from the top of a sand pile. Especially when grabbing a handful of sand, the flow of sand grains through their fingers gives toddlers a special feeling, and their sensory perception becomes increasingly sharp.

2. Increase the ability to recognize spatial relationships

Playing "filling and dumping" games with sand adds even more fun. Babies gain a preliminary understanding of the relationship between a bucket (container) and sand (contents) while shoveling sand. Especially when turning over a container filled with sand and seeing shapes appear, this further develops the baby's ability to recognize spatial relationships.

3. Practice hand coordination and promote hand muscle development

When playing with sand, babies pat the sand or use a shovel to scoop it up. This action helps develop fine wrist movements, improves limb coordination, and controls hand muscle movements. It not only promotes physical development but also brain development.

4. Develop creativity through playing with sand

Creativity is at the core of intelligence. There are no fixed ways to play or necessary outcomes in sand games, giving babies a lot of room to unleash their imagination and creativity. They can dig holes and trenches freely in the sandpile. Interesting games encourage babies to "invent" different ways to play, and their creative awareness and ability gradually grow.

5. Gain emotional satisfaction

Sand games give babies great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. When babies play with sand freely and without restrictions, their moods naturally become cheerful. Babies can play in ways they like, experiencing the joy of self-control. Their mood will be pleasant. For babies who lack confidence or are shy and introverted, there is even more satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

6. Deepen the bond between parents and children

Playing with sand can deepen the bond between parents and children. If there is a beach nearby, parents should play with their children. If not, fill a large container with sand to create a small beach for the child. Provide some necessary tools, such as clothes, buckets, and shovels. Every toy comes with a certain level of danger, and parents need to teach children how to protect themselves.

7. Learn about sand knowledge

When babies play with sand, they discover its characteristics. For example, dry sand is loose, while wet sand can be molded into clumps or have holes dug in it; water appears transparent, and if sugar is put into water, the sugar slowly disappears, but if sand is put into water, the sand remains in the water. They also learn that sand and water are useful in life, as building high-rise buildings requires sand, babies need to drink water, and animals and flowers on window sills also need water...

Sand is a gift from nature to babies, and this natural material is no less valuable than expensive toys. Playing with sand is the closest contact with nature, making babies so fascinated that they don't want to leave.