Sand Trays are a fun, hands on tool that is the perfect way for little learners to practice skills in an engaging way! Learn how to create your own, rainbow sand trays with some cheap supplies in a few minutes!
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If you’re like me, you’re always looking for engaging, hands on tools to work at the guided reading table with your students… especially when you can make them yourself without breaking the bank! Well, today, I want to share an easy and useful DIY tool: Sand Trays!
Why Should I Use Sand Trays with my Students?
Sand trays are the perfect, sensory tool for practicing writing letters, new and old words, and sight words! They are so fun and engaging, and it makes practice feel more like play! Additionally, sand trays give students tactile, visual , and kinesthetic input all at once which is helpful for all learners. Even if a students is more of a visual learner, practicing skills in a tactile way is still super helpful. And, of course, we know that everyone learns through a mix of learning styles. (Read more about the benefits of sand trays on the Orton Gillingham website.)
How Do I Make my Own DIY Sand Trays?
Sand trays are incredibly easy to make on your own. Although you can buy them, you can easily DIY them for a fraction of the cost. Here’s who you do.
- First, buy shallows trays (These are what I used from the Dollar Tree.), decorative sand (like this), and some bright paper (here’s my favorite kind)!
- Then, laminate half a sheet of paper (it was slightly smaller than half a sheet, so be sure to measure) for each container.
- Next, hot glue the laminated paper in the bottom of each tray.
- Last, add sand- voila! You have some fun, rainbow trays!
You can also use salt or even rice instead of sand.
How Can I Use My DIY Sand Trays?
- Drawing shapes (helpful for students who are not ready for letter formation).
- Forming letters.
- Writing CVC words, spelling words, or vocabulary words.
- Writing sight words.
Looking for more word work ideas? Click here to read all about my DIY year long word work and writing centers!
Need more ABC and CVC word intervention ideas? Click here for my favorite activities.
You can join my FREE Facebook Club for k-2 teachers here!
