What do you do on a boiling hot afternoon (37C with humidity) when you can’t head to the pool because one of your number has a poorly tummy? You make a double batch of cloud sand and stay in the shade of course!
For something so incredibly simple (flour and oil, that’s it) this was a real hit. The boys played with their trays of sand for the best part of an hour, giving Mummy the chance to sit down for a bit whilst trying not to melt into a puddle. It also got us through that 3-4pm time slot and got Neirin just messy enough for a cool bath with lavender oil while Huwyl listened to an mp3 of greek myths. What could have been a tough afternoon ended up being tranquil and nicely occupying without being overly taxing; I was glad we all got out unscathed!
As Neirin approaches the end of his preschool year (and won’t be returning next year) I’m conscious of providing more sensory experiences for him. Luckily Huwyl loves this kind of thing too so it really is win-win. I have a preschool pinterest board that is rapidly filling up with ideas and I’m planning on attempting one or two a week over the summer to discover which ones work for us. Its a great opportunity to vary our school life and give the boys opportunity for creative, kinaesthetic play that develops all of their senses.
Plus there is the sitting down; the sitting down is good.
95 acres of sky 