Sand “The Universal Language” (Ages 3-8)
What significant object in the world works only because it is disintegrated, worn, and broken? What substance would be noticeably absent, leaving us without cement, glass, and computer microchips? What item is so abundant, its number is compared to stars in the universe? What element fills our oceans, lakes, rivers, deserts, playgrounds, and backyard ______boxes? What can help give life to vegetation, or bring death by quick______, and help keep track of the time by way of an hourglass? Give up? Bullies often use it to shame and intimidate 98 pound weaklings. A body of this material can provide hours of recreation for children. Yes, sand! (I knew this last clue would give it away.)
Place 100 children in the middle of a sand pile, and chances are 99 would still be playing there one hour later. (One may have to leave to get a booster shot.) What will children do in a sand pile? Give them:
1. A bucket, and they will build castles.
2. A stick, and they will draw and write.
3. A sifter, and they will examine all foreign substances.
4. A dump truck, and they will move it around.
5. A shovel, and they will dig holes and tunnels.
6. A BIG shovel, and they will build forts and bury each other.
7. A magnet, and they will collect iron.
8. Toy soldiers, and they will fashion a battlefield.
9. Toy cars, and they will construct a race course.
10. Nothing, and their hands and fingers will create and invent.
Place 10 children from 10 different countries in sand together, and they all speak the same language; the universal language of sand. The only uses as yet undiscovered for this abundant and versatile matter would be to fuel our automobiles or to cure cancer.
I guess someday this resource might be used for so many purposes that it becomes scarce. Then my worst fear could be realized: The sandman could be without his magic to help put my children to sleep.
Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.