Sand is considered a “loose part”, and research links loose parts play to higher order play behaviors - constructive and dramatic play

Studies show that functional playground equipment (eg. monkey bars and ladders) are used less often and promote less constructive and dramatic play than equipment that can be manipulated and used for multiple functions. “Constructive play consists of children building or creating objects with a specific goal in mind (e.g., a bridge, a house). Dramatic play—also known as symbolic, pretend, fantasy, make-believe, or imaginary play—consists of children taking on a role in which they pretend to be someone, or something, else... ‘Loose parts’ refers to open-ended play materials and manipulatives that children can use in a variety of ways.”

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A sandplay area is an accessible element for children with a variety of disabilities

For many children with disabilities, a sand area might be one of the only elements in a playground that fully engages them. Children with physical disabilities can access sand through wheelchair accessible elevated sides, tables and diggers/scoopers. Sand can be a calming sensory experience for children with autism, and has even been used as a play intervention. A sand area provides an opportunity for children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers to have authentic play interactions that do not require being physically active.

 

Sand offers children opportunities to investigate important STEM concepts

Nationally recognized organizations such as National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) have identified sand as important for the development of STEM concepts in early childhood learning. Children learn engineering through building, testing, and problem solving. They learn math and physics concepts through filling, emptying, measuring, and comparing. The unique opportunities for experimentation that sand play allows is so profound that the term “sandboxing” has emerged in software development to describe the process of experimentation necessary in developing complex computing solutions.

 

Sand offers valuable sensory and therapeutic experiences:

The tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive experience of sand benefits all children, but especially children who are sensory seeking and children who have experienced trauma. “When children become distressed, handling sand may serve as a control mechanism for their emotions as they act out conflicts in [play]. Many authors have regarded sandplay as a way to provide children with a sensorial experience that has therapeutic benefits by promoting relief and relaxation.”