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CHILD GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND LEARNING * 3 HOURS * LEVEL 2

Theories of Child Development
Sand Tray Prewriting Lesson Plan Example

Page 10
Applying What You Have Learned
​On the following pages are lesson plans that can be used to incorporate Montessori elements into your program planning. The lesson plans are intended to be an optional resource that you may adapt for use in your classroom. ​
Age:  Preschool, Special Needs

Materials:
  • Shallow tray or wooden box
  • Light colored sand
  • Cards with prewriting lines and letters to be imitated
Objectives:
  • Students will be able to apply prewriting skills in preparation for letter and number writing
Picture
Sand Tray Prewriting Lesson Plan
CDA Competency Standards:
11.3.2a ​
  • Developmentally appropriate materials are available
            a) Materials are developmentally appropriate for all children
            d) Materials are organized and accessible to children throughout the day
Procedure:
To create the materials:
  1. Pour the sand in the tray or box
  2. Create cards with thick wavy lines, shapes, or letters on thick white cardstock. Laminating the cards is advisable.
  3. Place the sand tray and cards in a larger tray and place on a low shelf in the classroom.
For the lesson:
  1. Give students a brief demonstration on how to use the sand tray responsibly. Students should carefully use their fingers to trace the shapes, lines or letters on the cards into the sand. To “erase” they can gently shake the tray.
  2. Be sure to explain to students the purpose of this lesson which is to practice and apply their prewriting skills.​
Assessment:
  • Observe and record student’s sand tray writing. Assess their ability to create specific lines and shapes to imitate the card lines and shapes.
​Extension:
  • When students are able to copy the cards easily, replace the cards with letters, short words, numbers, simple addition problems, etc. This lesson can also be used for teaching cursive writing for school-age students.
For more ideas, visit our resource website at ​​​