The sand table and the water table can be two of the most popular areas of the classroom for young children, but it is important to remember that these areas are essential to the classroom for higher-level learning. 
 

• Sensory Exploration: Both of these centers allow children to learn with hands-on materials and take in new information through their senses.  These sensory experiences can assist some children with calming down their bodies. 
• Mathematical Learning: The sand and water centers are introductions to higher-level thinking concepts like volume.  When children empty two pails of sand into one larger pail, they begin to learn about which pail has more and which pail has less.  They have the opportunity to see how many cups it takes to fill the largest bucket.  They can also see how one tall pail of sand also equals a short, large bucket.  Children can use the sand to create shapes and structures.
• Scientific Concepts: The water table introduces children to early physics concepts like motion and flowing water.  Children have the opportunity to make predictions about what objects will sink in the water and which items will float.  Sand and water areas introduce discussions about living and non-living items, as well as animal habitats. 
• Language Development: The sand and water areas of the classroom are wonderful environments to create conversations.  Young children typically play together in these areas, develop intricate pretend play ideas, and ask one another questions.  These areas also give the teachers plenty of opportunities to talk to students about their creations and pretend play.  Teachers can get children to respond with the most creative responses by starting their conversations with statements like “I wonder what would happen if . . .” and “Tell me about . . .”
• Social Skills: Since so many children want to play in these areas of the classroom, children must learn how to take turns and share the classroom materials.  Children must work together to create a castle in the sand, and young children play together to make their sea animals talk to each other in the water table.
• Creativity: These centers are classic examples of open-ended materials that do not have one specific purpose.  Children focus on the process of playing with the sand and water instead of trying to create an end product. 

How do teachers encourage sand and water play in the classroom?  

• Sand or water must be available to the children each day. This allows children to have creative learning experiences, but it also helps to establish the classroom rules for playing in these centers.
• ​Teachers need to model the behavior they expect in the sand and water areas.
• Teachers need to set-up the environment to provide the children with an optimum learning experience.  Teachers can include access to materials like measuring cups, ladles, funnels, sifters, colanders, or small manipulatives like plastic animals.
• Teachers need to monitor these areas closely (especially with very young children) to maintain safety at all times.