I have a confession to make- I rarely remember to allow my kids to use a sand tray. I always have these brilliant ideas and then when the time would come- poof! Thought all gone. For today’s shape preschool theme, I wanted J to practice writing her shapes and I also wanted to see if C (my 2 year old son) would get in on the action.
Shapes Books to Check Out
Please note that affiliate links are used below for your convenience.
My Very Silly Monster Book of Shapes: A Very Silly Monster way to learn all about shapesWalter’s Wonderful Web: A First Book About Shapes
Mouse Shapes
E-Z Page Turners: Shapes (Perfect for Little Fingers!) (iBaby, E-Z Page Turners)
Paris: A Book of Shapes (Hello, World)
My First Shapes with Frank Lloyd Wright
Sticker Early Learning: Shapes
DC Super Heroes Colors, Shapes & More!
My Very First Book of Shapes
Wipe Clean Workbook Tracing and Pen Control (Wipe Clean Learning Books)
Lift-the-Flap Tab: Colors, Numbers, Shapes (Lift-the-Flap Tab Books)
ITEMS FOR YOUR SHAPES PRESCHOOL THEME WRITING ACTIVITY
- sand tray
- sand/ salt
- shape cards (provided as a download below)
FIRST print the shape cards and laminate them for durability. If you choose not to print them on cardstock or laminate them, be prepared for them to look like this:
SECOND set up your sand tray on a flat surface and pour in sand or salt.
If you do not have a sand tray, simply use a regular tray or a shallow dish and pour your sand or salt in that.
THIRD demonstrate what needs to be done and then allow your child/student to do the same. Be prepared for them to simply explore the sand for a few moments before they actually do the task.
I love providing my printables for free in hopes that your kiddos will love them as much as mine do. Please note that if you do download anything from my site, that you are agreeing to my terms of use and all the other legalities (privacy policy and disclosure policy) that are in place. I am all for sharing but please share the link to this post so that they can download their own copy. Do NOT share the link to the printables themselves. Thanks for walking with me!
Theresa says
This looks like so much fun! What a great tactile way to learn about shapes.
Jodie @ Growing Book by Book says
We love to use sensory trays for writing and drawing.
Shecki @ Greatly Blessed says
Ooh, thanks for the idea! I have a 5 year old who is struggling with learning to form letters, and this might really boost her confidence. We have sand. We have trays. I can do this! 🙂
alecia says
You are welcome Shecki!