Art Projects
Fine Motor
Math & 123s
SensoryPreschoolersToddlers15 Comments
Take sand sensory play to a new level and create a number 100 art project or any other picture you want with your toddler or preschoolers!
Henry had his first homework assignment for preschool.
To create the number 100 out of something.
(Not 100 of something, but to make the numbers themselves.)
We discussed it together to decide what to make.
Henry told me his teacher made one out of corn!
We decided we wanted to make the number 100 art with dirt. Great opportunity for some sensory play.
Well, its February in Iowa and it just snowed about six inches, so dirt wasn’t to be found.
We settled on sand. (Thankfully, our sandbox has a lid!)
Sand Sensory Play to Make Number 100 Art
Henry created the number 100 art piece while having some sensory play with sand, inside!
It was fun and George even joined in.
For this Number 100 Sensory Sand Play Art Project You’ll Need:
- Black, or dark, thick paper (scrapbook paper or card stock work well.)
- Glue
- Paint brush
- Sand
- White, or light colored, crayon
- Small construction trucks (or small sand shovels, spoons or anything to play in the sand and use to get it onto the paper.)
Creating the Art with Sand Sensory Play
First, I had Henry write the number 100 on a piece of scrapbook art paper before the sand sensory play started.
I was amazed at how easy this was for him.
His writing skills have really taken off, even if they aren’t correctly done all the time, I’m still impressed. (He often starts at the bottom of letters and numbers, instead of the top.)
I then traced over it to thicken up the lines.
Henry painted the numbers with glue.
And then the real fun began.
The sand came out.
Let the sand sensory play begin.
Henry decided to dig in it with his backhoe. Loading it up and hauling it to his paper.
This literally took him well over an hour to do.
He covered his numbers with sand, as well as pushing the sand around to make piles and spread it out. He was pretty busy with his sensory sand play.
When all the numbers in 100 were completely covered, he picked up the art and shook it off.
Ta-da!
The number 100 art was still there where he painted his glue!
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Christine says
Yes thats great! I’m wondering how well the sand stayed on. Thinking of how it works out when you hang the creation. Does the sand fall off?
Jamie Reimer says
We didn’t hang this one. But if you want to hang it, I would end up adding more glue to the creation when they’re done. Just kind of squirting it over top of it all to kind of seal it in place.
Faith says
I have a four year turning five and eighteen month old toddler. i would like weekly activities that I can do with them to play and encourage growth in their developmental levels
Jenny says
Love it! ! Can’t wait to give and painting a try. We also do this with the shiny tin foil confetti for a colorful finished product!
Ness says
This is just gorgeous. I love how Henry used the backhoe and that you let him play as long as he wanted even if it took him an hour. I’ve featured you on my blog today as one of my favourite links in last week’s Kids Co-op link party.
Jamie says
Ooo! Thanks! I’ll check it out :)
Kristin @ Preschool Universe says
Any activity that keeps them engaged for over an hour is totally worth the mess.
cathy @ nurturestore says
What a super, playful way to do this project!
Anonymous says
I teach preschool and I LOVE that you let him play for over an hour during this project! So many times we push ahead for the finished project and forget that the important learning goes on DURING. A+ Mom!
Wise Owl Factory says
Henry, I taught first grade and you did a better job than many first graders could do. E for excellent, A +, and W for Wow! Carolyn
Roopa Shri says
I say 'E for Excellent' !! I really love how he used his backhoe to load sand :-)
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says
what a fun way to create 100 and yay to both of you for those writing skills! Once they get going, it really moves along doesn't it! :)