Moonsand Making

Date: 4th July, 2022
When was it done: Sensory activity 
MATERIALS REQUIRED

  • Corn flour 

  • Coconut oil

  • Paints

  • Bowls

  • Tray

INVITATION SET-UP

Corn flour was kept in different bowls in three different trays along with small bottles filled with coconut oil. Each tray had a paint bottle. 

PROCESS:

Three different trays were set so all the children could participate. The trays are kept on the ground and first the corn flour bowl is emptied into the tray, which is done by the children. They explore the corn flour before we put the oil in it. The children squeeze the oil bottle one by one. They mix the corn flour and oil together and get a sand type texture. To make it more inviting, we add colors to the mixture which is also done by the children themselves and then they explore the mixture. 

CHILDREN’S RESPONSE

All the children participated and did the majority of the activity all by themselves, starting from squeezing to mixing. They pour the mixture in different bowls and form different shapes out of it. They “pat pat” the mixture so that it sets in the bowl.

PRECAUTIONS:

Taking care that no amount of moon sand is consumed or comes in contact with children’s eyes or mouth.

SKILLS & CONCEPTS:

  • Fine Motors Skills - Moonsand making requires movement of fingers and the palm in order to mix the corn flour, oil and the paint well. It also requires children to apply some pressure when doing actions like squeezing.

  • Sensory Skills -  Moonsand making acquainted children with wet and dry textures. Corn flour, oil and tempera paints have separate distinct odors, which engages children’s sense of smell. It is very visually appealing as the children watch the elements mix  in their hands.

  • Cognitive Skills - During this activity, children observe the result of their actions as they follow the process of mixing corn flour with oil and paint. The concepts of colors and texture are also introduced to them through the activity.

  • Language Development - Activities like moonsand making provide children the space to learn new words and communicate with them when they are engaging with the facilitators. 

Sensory, First Steps AfternoonSohini Talukdar