Sandcastles

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Sandcastles

Objective:

To use details to write a description of a sandcastle or sand figure created by the child.

Length:

20-30 minutes over 2-3 days

Materials:

Sand

Blank paper

Pencils

Writing paper

Glue

Paintbrush

Watercolor paint

Computer with Internet access

Anticipatory:

Using a computer, go to http://www.sandcastlecentral.com/ and help the children look at the different kinds of sand sculptures people have made. The box in the upper right should cycle through several amazing pictures of sand castles. Ask the children if any of them have ever been to the beach and made a sand castle.

Instructions:

Tell the children that you have an idea for a sandcastle or sculpture that you would like to make. As you describe it, draw a picture on a piece of paper Then help the children brainstorm what kind of sandcastle or sculpture they would like to make. Write the ideas on the board.
When you have several ideas on the board give each child a piece of paper so that they can draw a sand castle or sculpture.
After they have finished drawing, have them use watercolors to paint the picture. If they want they can add a beach and an ocean around their castle. Let dry.
Once dry, you are now ready to add some sand to the picture. Put some glue into a small container. On your picture, demonstrate how to use the brush to paint on some glue to either outline or fill in your castle. Sprinkle sand over the glue and then shake off the excess.
Have the children write about their sandcastle. You may want to model this first by writing about yours while having the children help you decide what to write. Encourage them to add details.

Variations:

If possible, have a sand box that the kids can play in and make sand castles after completing their writing.
For students who are not yet able to write sentences, use the glue to spell words such as sand and have the child sprinkle sand over the words.