Hidden Treasure

Sensorial Activity for three year olds+

Materials needed:
dish washing basin
sand (can be purchased at garden store/hardware/on-line)
a few special items (such as fake gold coins, seashells, small wooden animals)
a sifter (a small strainer works great)
a bowl to collect the found items

Directions:
Fill the basin 1/2 way full with play sand (the thin soft sand intended for children's use)
hide special treasure items in sand
provide children with a sifter and a list of the items they are searching for. It works best if the list is visual with photos or drawings of the items they are trying to find buried in the sand.
Extensions:
This activity can be done without the sifter or with beans rather than sand which is easier to clean up, depending on the age of the child and how much you anticipate the sand being spilled; the items 'lost' can be changed to reflect the seasons i.e: acorns in fall, craft snowflakes or large buttons in winter, marbles could even be used if you are certain there is no chance the children will mouth the objects.
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Most of all: Have fun!
~~MM Original