The Use of Sawdust in a Sand Table

Benefits

• Few preschool teachers have large budgets for supplies; most lumber yards and home improvement stores give sawdust away free. Sawdust in a sand table provides a soothing, soft sensory experience. The sweet, aromatic smell of sawdust appeals to many children, as well.

Problems

• Almost any sensory material poses a few challenges for teachers and sawdust is no exception. It may make tile and vinyl floors slippery and is difficult to clean because it's so fine. The dust works its way into any surrounding area, including shelves and bookcases. As the children play, they stir up dust in the air, which may be irritating to some children's respiratory systems.

Solutions

• Move the sand table outside to a patio or play area if possible when using sawdust. To clean up sawdust in the classroom, vacuum it each day and wipe down surfaces and floors with a damp cloth or mop. For a dustless alternative, mix 3 cups of sawdust with 1 cup of wallpaper paste or liquid starch and 2 cups water to make a thin dough. Although the dough is messy, it doesn't create dust in the air. Use it in the sand table as you would other tactile materials.

Suggested Use

• Place sawdust in the sensory table in conjunction with a unit on construction. Provide hard hats, funnels and scoops. Set up a woodworking center, as well, with child-safe hammers, nails and saws, and allow the children to make toys from scraps of wood. Visit a construction site, if possible, so children get firsthand experience. Replace sawdust with cedar shavings to reduce the dust.