Sand Tray (Valli Pilla)

• What is a sand tray?

A tray or a box filled with sand can use to practice writing letters or play with toys

In ancient Sri Lankan culture where there is no black/whiteboards, chalk, papers, pens, pencils, etc. sand tray was used to write & practice letters to kids.

In Sinhalese, it is called “ Vallipilla”.

• • Why sand tray is important?

    A per the resources writing on the sand tray gives therapy for little one’s mental health as well as develop their fine motor skills because they love to squeeze, smash, squish & pinch sand.

• How to do it?

  Making a sand tray is very easy. You need to find sand, a tray or wooden frame, or a box.

  If no sand available use salt, non-cocked rice, or beans as an alternative.

  Just need to fill the tray with sand & it is ready to use.

  Use pointer finger to write on it

  Shake the tray to erase the writing

Sand trays are available in shops to buy also.

Sand tray is an excellent way to introduce pre-writing.

Not only that I have seen my little one do imaginary playing on a sand tray while talking, laughing & showing various expressions.