From Setup to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Sand and Water Activity Centre

From Setup to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Sand and Water Activity Centre

February 26, 2025
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Introduction

Childhood is a time of boundless curiosity, where every moment is an opportunity for discovery and play. One of the most exciting ways that children can explore their world is through sand and water exploration, where they can touch, feel, and experiment with different textures and materials. 

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to set up a fun and educational sand and water learning centre, from selecting the right materials to ensuring safety, with a focus on choosing an accessible, spacious, and easily supervised location within your learning space.

Sand and water table in childcare classroom with preschool children


Early Years Classroom Layout Ideas

Since not every early years classroom layout is the same, it’s important to find a sensory space that fits the specific needs of your environment and the children in your care.

Here are some 10 examples of best practices to consider when setting up a sand and water learning centre:

 

1.    Whenever possible, position your sand and water table near a sink to make it easier for children to add water and for staff to drain and clean-up afterward.

 

Infant Room Plan Example

Infant room plan example with sand and water table

 

Toddler Room Plan Example

Toddler room planning example with sand and water table

2.    Positioning the sand and water station next to an open space makes it easier for children to be supervised.   

This is why selecting a table with castors and solid construction can be so important -- move the table into an open space and then tuck it away when not in use.   

Tables with a cover, deliver versatility and function when not being used for sensory play.  

Community Playthings Sand and Water Centres (Large, Small, and Universal.   Universal is shown here) come with a tight fitting flat smooth lid.

Sand and Water Universal Centre by Community Playthings - louisekool

While the Bamboo Sensory Table includes a bamboo tabletop with a construction brick top on one-side.

Bamboo Sensory Table - Assembled - louisekool

 

 

Preschool Room Plan Example

Preschool planning guide example with sand and water table

 

3.    Positioning the sand and water table away from high-traffic areas will help minimize the risk of accidental bumps or spills.

Preschool room planning example with sand and water table

 

4.    Setting the sand and water centre away from the wall allows children to play on all four sides.

Sand and water station in childcare classroom

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

5.    If your early years classroom layout does have tile floors, keep the sand and water table on a vinyl carpet or a classroom carpet rug that is easy to clean. 

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

6.    Arrange the classroom setup so that the sand and water table is near other sensory based play activities. This will encourage an interactive environment where children can flow between different types of play and exploration. 

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

7.    If the sand and water table is placed next to a wall, you can use hooks or pegboards to hang materials like child cleaning supplies, scoops, cups, and shovels. To enhance the interactive experience, consider using the walls to hang items related to the theme that the children are exploring.

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

8.    It’s ideal to have a storage unit next to the sand and water centre, stocked with supplies for the children to use. Having everything within reach encourages independent play and allows for a smoother flow of the activity, while also promoting organization and reducing interruptions in basic learning process. 

 

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

9.    If space is at a premium, use space-saving early years classroom furniture that is multi-functional with built-in construction or light features. 

Sand and water table in childcare classroom   Sand and water table in childcare classroom

 

10.    Attach a crossbar to the sand and water table. This will accommodate learning space sensory toys like funnels, hoses, and pulleys for exploration of early science, such as gravity, weight, and balance. 

Sand and water table in childcare classroom

Connecting a canopy to the sand and water centre also introduces dramatic play into sensory exploration activities.

Sand and water table in childcare classroom


Summary

This article outlines how to set up a fun and educational sand and water activity centre in your early years classroom. It highlights the importance of selecting an accessible, spacious, and easily supervised location, with practical tips such as positioning the table near a sink, keeping it away from high-traffic areas, and ensuring easy access to supplies. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of using multifunctional furniture, incorporating sensory toys, and enhancing the experience with thematic items and dramatic play.

Visit our Webinar and Workshop page for free recordings of sensory play sessions. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. 

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