The Sand Area: A Progressive Journey for Reception and Year 1

The Sand Area: A Progressive Journey for Reception and Year 1 This 9 page document has been designed as a shared journey for Reception and Year 1. Children will arrive at the sand tray with different experiences, strengths, and starting points. A Reception child may work with great control and intention, while a Year 1 child may return to early exploration to deepen understanding. Both are valid. Both are important. Page 1 – Overview & Adult Role: A clear, non-linear approach to sand play, with a strong focus on the role of the adult Page 2 – Early Exploration / Building Control / Working with Intention / Refinement: Handling and moving sand, Sensory Discovery, Filling and Pouring Page 3 – Early Exploration / Building Control / Working with Intention / Refinement: Shaping and Building, Construction and Engineering and Scientific Enquiry Page 4 – Activity Bank: Practical, purposeful ideas to support progression through play Page 5 – EYFS Links – How sand play supports early learning goals in real, observable ways Page 6 – Year 1 Curriculum Links – Clear connections to National Curriculum expectations across subjects Page 7 – Sand Talk Poster: Vocabulary and prompts to strengthen language, thinking, and communication Page 8/9 – ShREC Posters – A simple guide / poster to support adult interactions—notice, respond, extend, and build conversation