SANDTRAYS

The concept of using trays of sand and a variety of miniatures to help children was developed in England in the 1920's by Margaret Lowenfeld. Her search for a tool that would instantaneously attract children and encourage communication of thoughts and feelings lead her to a discovery that continues to be utilized by professionals worldwide.

When Lowenfeld added miniatures to her therapeutic playroom the children spontaneously placed the miniatures into trays of sand which were also available in the playroom. Given trays of sand and miniatures, imaginative activity and self-expression occurred. In essence, children were the creators of this powerful tool.

Throughout the years sandtrays have been utilized worldwide in a wide variety of settings by professionals with diverse philosophical beliefs. The tools used in the sandtray process are similar- trays of sand and a wide selection of varied miniatures. The process employed by professionals, however, varies significantly according to the setting and the theoretical beliefs of the professionals.

For years schools have seen the benefits of using sand. Sensory tables filled with sand offer creative tactile experiences. Tracing letters and words in sand supplement visual and auditory learning. Small trays of sand and child-selected miniatures produce scenes that motivate children to write.The sand and trays are also utilized when children are needing a break from traditional classroom activities.

Teachers, counselors, and other educational professionals recognize that sand and miniatures can address many educational needs. The Sandtray Center training extends the possibilities, while focusing on literacy. Based on the Common Core State Standards, 'close and careful reading of texts' will be an essential and central part of literacy activities, and students will need to understand that thinking and reading occur simultaneously. The Sandtray in Educational Settings training gives professionals 
opportunities to review relevent research, explore books and practice the art of closely examining the author's craft. Additionally, the Common Core Standards' three-tiered vocabulary instruction model and the model of text complexity will be reviewed and incorporated into training activities. 

Sandtray 'Book Explorations' offer diverse groups of children opportunities for positive interactions with peers while focusing on literature. Sandtray groups offer a unique and nonthreatening environment in which children can connect with others, and extend learning without being limited by words. Additionally, the tactile experience of the sand can benefit children seeking sensory input, and the unlimited verbal opportunities encourage language development.

Drawing from her thirty years of teaching experience and her extensive research and training in the area of sandtrays and Universal Design for Learning, Dr. McCown facilitates sandtray groups that address unique needs, celebrate diversity, promote learning, and provide opportunities for children to develop much needed connections with others.  While the group process offered at the Sandtray Center is different from the process originally documented by Dr. Lowenfeld, the Sandtray Center honors her work and the work of the many professionals that followed her lead.  

Professional Development

The Sandtray Center is committed to promoting the implementation of sandtrays by providing interactive, experiential training for professionals....

COME PLAY IN THE SAND!

Professional 
Development Topics:
   
Sandtrays in Educational Settings: Promoting Universal Design for Learning
(one full day)

Dates:  3/8/12;  4/12/12
or 5/10/12
LABS (1/2 day or evening):
Prerequisite: Sandtrays in Educational Settings

2A: Sandtray Literacy Props: Reading Comprehension/Vocabulary

2B: Sandtray Literacy Props:
Make-it/Take-it (additional $25.00 materials fee; reduced to $5.00 for returning Make-it/Take-it participants )

2C: Sandtray Developmental Bibliotherapy

2D: Inclusive Sandtray Friendship Groups

2E: Sandtray Literacy Props: Writing

Recommended for preschool/elementary/special/
gifted educators, literacy coaches, administrators, counselors, interventionists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists

Fees:
 
Full-day training: $110.00

1/2 day or evening follow-up lab: $30.00

Make-it/Take-it LAB: additional $25.00 materials fee for initial Lab($5.00 materials fee for returning Make-it/Take-it participants)


OPTIONAL graduate credit is available through Ashland University.
Sandtrays in Educational Settings (full-day) and 2 LABS = 1 semester credit. Completion of out-of-class assignment is required for credit.
Additional cost for 1 semester hour credit is $195.00

        
For additional details, or to receive a registration form
call 513.683.5900 or
e-mail: sandtrays @zoomtown.com

 

 Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

 “ UDL is defined as ‘a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that (a) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (b) reduces barriers to instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient’ by Higher Education Opportunity Act (PL 110-135)”, (corestandards.org, 2010).

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concept is embedded in the current Common Core Standards document and is being promoted by numerous professionals. While not a new concept, the inclusion of UDL in the Common Core Standards has significantly increased the interest in this topic.

“Sandtrays in Educational Settings: Promoting Universal Design for Learning” is a full-day professional development opportunity offered by the Sandtray Center to learn more about both UDL and sandtrays. The follow-up LABS are ½ day or evening opportunities to further explore both UDL and sandtrays in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary, bibliotherapy, writing, and/or social development.  

Theoretical writings about the use of sandtrays span the globe and many variations exist. Professionals, regardless of their theoretical orientation and their manner of implementation, repeatedly emphasize the importance of training before utilizing the sandtrays with any population. This training includes personal sandtray experiences. In addition to proper sandtray training, a solid understanding of child development is a critical prerequisite to facilitating any sandtray work with children.