Sand box number tracing

This Montessori-inspired sand box activity is a great way for little learners to practice number formation, develop fine motor skills, and gain confidence in writing numbers—all while having fun with sand!

What you’ll need:

• A square wooden sand box with a perspex bottom
• White sand (just enough to cover the base, about 0.5 cm)
• A sand levelling tool
• Clean hands
• Sandpaper numerals for guidance (optional)

Let’s get started:

• Once your child is comfortable with sandpaper numerals, invite them to trace a number on their own.
• Start with the number 1 sandpaper numeral. Ask your child to use a pincer grip to trace it, naming the number aloud.
• Place the numeral next to the sand box and ask your child to trace the same number into the sand using their pincer grip. Encourage them to reference the sandpaper numeral for guidance if needed.
• After tracing, level the sand with the levelling tool and encourage your child to repeat the process a few times.
• Continue with other numbers, helping your child form each one with confidence and precision.

Remember, this activity is about giving your child the opportunity to practice and experiment with number formation, so don’t worry about perfect results.

Learning benefits

Direct learning includes:

Familiarising children with how numbers are formed and developing their fine motor skills

Building confidence with number recognition and formation

Indirect learning supports:

• Muscle memory development through tactile tracing of the numbers
• Enhancing concentration, focus, problem-solving, memory, and attention to detail
• Practicing the pincer grip, an essential skill for pre-writing

Ideas to extend the activity:

Challenge your child to trace numbers while wearing a blindfold. You can either ask them to write a number of their choice or give them one to trace. This adds a fun twist and tests their memory and tactile senses.

Encourage your child to form numbers using dough, reinforcing their muscle memory and improving number recognition.

No sand box? No problem!

If you don’t have a sand box, you can easily adapt the activity by using a shallow tray with flour, rice, or salt. Simply level the surface with a spoon or small tool before your child begins tracing.

Safety first:

Always remind children to walk when carrying materials to avoid accidents.