Magic Star Sensory Sand
Magic Sand is the perfect name as it truly does feel like the natural texture of beach sand mixed with a little bit of magic!
It's hard to find the words to describe the feeling and movement of this sand - it behaves almost as though it is a living, breathing organism! So the best thing to do is to get hands-on and experience the fun for yourself.
The Magic Sand can be squeezed, shaped and moulded into particular formations...but then it slowly begins to move until it returns to its original natural form. It can be used to mould and build different shapes or structures, or simply to explore the natural sensory feel.
Magic Sand has similar properties to the way that normal sand moves when it is wet. Think of the difference between the dry sand high up on the beach, and the wet sand that is being caressed by the ocean. If you go down to the shoreline, where the waves are gently lapping at the sand, you will notice that when you dig a hole the wet sand starts to flow to fill it up. The Magic Sand mimics these organic sort of movements but with a dry sand that is appropriate for indoor use.
Magic Sand is recommended for children over the age of three (this is not due to any issues of toxicity - it is simply because of the choking risk associated with younger children mouthing/consuming the sand - which wouldn't be ideal even for sand on the beach!)
Magic Sand doesn't dry out. This makes it easy for parents and teachers alike to store it! It can be presented in a tray or box on the shelf in the child's prepared environment and then left there without concern. It will stay fresh and usable - no special sealing or storing required! However, for your convenience it does come in a resealable bag.
My favourite feature of Magic Sand is its incredible value as a sensory experience and 'meditation' aid! Children do enjoy using it to mould, build and play but it almost always seems to turn into a meditation session! I often observe that the child's demeanour changes as he or she simply becomes absorbed in feeling to sand move between the fingers. The child can almost seem somewhat hypnotised as his or her eyes watch the gradual, organic movement of the Magic Sand. This combination of tactile and visual input, both offering an engaging but soothing experience, seems to have an almost magical influence. This offers a wonderful experience to any individual but in a home or classroom environment it has a few specific applications. For instance, it is a great way of helping an overly energetic child to just settle back to a more balanced energy level. It is also a great way of soothing a child who has had an outburst of emotion. A child who has felt angry seems soothed by the motion of the sand, while a child who has been sad seems comforted by the experience.
The Magic Sand is also a useful tool to de-stress busy parents or teachers! Adults seem to find the Magic Sand almost irresistible - one touch and they don't want to let go. If enough adults get to experience Magic Sand then I'm confident that it will become a must-have for the office desk - taking the place of the older 'stress balls' or Newton's Cradles!
It seems to be a particularly useful tool when working with children with additional needs. In my own experience I have found that the Magic Sand seems to appeal to, and benefit, many children who have Autism or Sensory-Processing Disorders. For children who crave sensory input it is a very calming, soothing and appropriate way of offering this. For children who usually avoid certain sensations the Magic Sand can be a controlled way of slowly and safely introducing an appealing sensory exploration.
Reccomended for ages 3+