DIY Colored Sand

Colored sand is a great sensory item to make at home for your child. This easy to make colored sand can be used in a variety of ways at home or in a classroom.

Don't worry it is simple to make colored sand. For this activity you will need play sand. You can buy a large bag at Lowes or Home Depot. You will also need rubbing alcohol and food coloring. I like to do this activity outside on a sunny day. It helps speed up the drying process. However, it can be done inside as well.

To begin, add sand to a ziploc bag. If you do small amounts you can create a variety of colors. Then add the rubbing alcohol and food coloring of choice. For each cup of sand you will add approximately 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. You can certainly eyeball this, it does not require precise measuring. Add too much, simply put some more sand in. When adding the food coloring start with 10 drops and add more if you want a deeper color.

Next, you simply shake the bag of sand, you can use your hands to squeeze the sand from the outside of the bag.. Add more rubbing alcohol or food coloring if needed. Once you are happy with the color, spread the sand out on a piece of waxed or parchment paper. I like to do this for easy transfer to the ziploc bag when the sand is dry. You can then lay them out together on a piece of cardboard. I made use of a delivery box that I have and reuse for projects like this. Allow the sand to dry before placing it in a container or ziploc bag to use with your child.

Ways to use colored sand with your child

1. Create sand art.
2. Add the sand to a sensory table. Provide a variety of cups, bowls, measuring cups of different sizes.
3. Use glue to add sand to a drawing or painting.
4. Mold the sand into letters or numbers. Your child can also practice their writing skills by using their finger or an unsharpened pencil to write letters or words in a small layer of sand on a flat surface.