Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning
– Diane Ackerman
The young learners of ELP 1 at CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai embarked on a
captivating journey that involved them embracing the sand with their tiny hands. Revelling in
the activity, the learners explored the sensory world, where each grain seemed to whisper the
secrets of learning and joy. The gentle expanse of the sand coupled with its intermittent
granular texture provides a perfect canvas for the learners to exhibit their creative side as they
formed letters and numbers in a carefree and freehand style. With guidance from their
teachers who enabled them to hone their multi-sensory acumen leaving them to create not just
shapes of the letters and numerals over the granular cum silky medium but also allowed them
to hold the joy filled practice as a cue to ignite their creativity.
By embracing the sand tray activity, the experience of the learners went beyond mere fun and
frolic as they were meted out with an attempt to hone their fine motor control alongside hand
eye coordination. Not to mention the development of pincer hand muscles which is crucial
for writing and countless other practical life skills through this activity.
Through this activity, the ELP learners echo the words of Anne Sexton, “Put your ear down
close to your soul and listen hard.” For it’s in these tender moments of connection, like sand
slipping through fingers, that the symphony of learning finds its rhythm.
