Combine imaginative play with sensory play with this fun sensory sand tray play idea – diamond mining!
Sensory Sand Tray Play Ideas: Diamond Mine
To make a diamond mine all you really need is a tub of sand and a packet of acrylic gems (ours were $2 from the local discount store). If you would like it to be a bit more fancy like the one in the picture above you can also add some acrylic gems in a second colour, pebbles, a twig “diamond mine” sign and some hand made paper cup buckets or miniature plastic buckets.
To make our buckets I wrapped twine around a pipe cleaner and attached it to the cup for a handle, and then added some more twine with the child’s initial tied to the front.
I layered the pebbles, acrylic gems and sand in a plastic tub. I sprinkled a few more rocks and gems on top to make it look a bit more interesting, and stuck the little sign in the corner.
Ordinarily this would be an outdoor activity but we had some wet weather so I put a drop sheet down on the lounge room floor and let the girls do their diamond dig inside. All of the spilled sand was easily tipped back into the tub from the sheet once the play was finished.
They both adored this activity and had great fun finding all of the “diamonds”.
Ah, if only they were real!
Thank you for this guest post from Kate at The Craft Train. Find more of her awesome play and craft ideas for kids at www.thecrafttrain.com or via Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
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This post was written by a guest contributor. Find out more about them in the post above.
