Kinetic sand - what is it? Can I do it at home?

Kinetic or living sand (material that moves) is a mixture of a silicone component and ordinary quartz sand. Genus kinetic sand from Sweden. It is there that this innovative developing toy is manufactured and manufactured. So, let's talk more about kinetic sand. How do the material in the home and industrial environment? What does it consist of? How to play them with benefit?

Characteristics and composition

Kinetic sand - what is it? It is a material that holds the mold well and at the same time has a high flowability index.

The material, being freely poured, looks loose, fluffy. It is pleasant to the touch. When the material is poured, its particles under the influence of gravity tend to disconnect. However, the binder in the sand is stretched into threads about one or two millimeters long, which are almost invisible to the eye. They slow down the movement of particles, so you can visually track the movement of any grain of sand, as in slow motion.

If the sand is sharply compressed, then the volume of material is reduced by half. As a result of external influence, a new form is formed, which persists for a fairly long time.

Due to the fact that in the kinetic sand there is a special silicone binder that envelops the particles and connects them, the material is characterized simultaneously by its porous consistency and good density.

Kinetic sand from what is made? The composition of this material is quite simple: 98% of ordinary quartz sand and 2% of silicone polymer, which is actively used in the food industry. It is also an additive E 900. This product has the color of natural sand. Each party contains the same faction.

Kinetic sand: sanitary and hygienic standards

Despite the fact that this material contains a silicone binder, it does not stick to either hands or clothes. If the sand is spilled onto the floor, it will not break up into separate particles, but will retain itself in the form of a compact mass. You can easily assemble it and use it again. The material remains "wet" constantly, since the silicone component does not dry out even after a long time. This material is almost impossible to clog your eyes. Kinetic sand is odorless, does not support the development of microorganisms, does not cause an allergic reaction and is not toxic. It is not afraid of water, therefore it retains its properties, even if it is wet. Of course, it is not recommended to consume this sand, but in a situation of accidental ingestion neither quartz nor sand interact with gastric juice and after a certain time it is removed from the body naturally, without causing harm to the body and without causing discomfort. Kinetic sand does not require special storage conditions.

What is the use of kinetic sand for children?

So, let's enumerate the main useful properties of such a toy as kinetic sand.

First, the game with this material contributes to the development of fine motor skills of children's pens.

Secondly, since kinetic sand has a peculiar texture, tactile sensitivity develops actively in children during exercise.

Third, playing in the sandbox helps the baby develop creative imagination.

Fourth, the emotional state of the baby's manipulation of sand has a beneficial effect. The game will help children open up and accustom them to concentration. Child psychologists actively use kinetic sand.

Fifth, even playing with this material alone is extremely exciting and, most importantly, useful. And if you work in the company, it will promote the development of communication skills.

Sixth, parents can not worry about the safety of the child at the time when he plays in the sandbox. And they will have time for themselves.

Is kinetic sand useful for teenagers?

Kinetic sand - what is it? You can safely say that it is a universal educational toy. It can bring great benefits to both children and adolescents.

In adolescence, it is extremely difficult to openly express your feelings and share experiences. In order to get rid of internal stress, you can picture frightening images on the surface of the material, and then draw a possible way out of the situation.

Kinetic sand can also help adults?

Of course. Kinetic sand can be no less useful for adults. Experimentally proved that playing with this material removes stress, promotes relaxation, activates thinking and imagination.

Office workers who placed a small cup with kinetic sand on their desktop confessed that they had significantly reduced the level of nervousness and irritability, for example, when talking to colleagues or phone calls to customers. Warm-up of hands with sand, even a short one, helps a person to rest morally, and also returns enthusiasm and increases efficiency, gives positive emotions and new sensations.

Kinetic sand as a universal educational toy

Probably, every child likes to sculpt from plasticine or play in the sandbox. The properties of these materials successfully combine kinetic sand. It has been repeatedly noted that it is a universal toy for the creativity of the baby.

Engage in kinematic sand is extremely useful for any child, because it contributes to the development of the imagination, fine motor skills, thinking abilities and spatial imagination. This material is a great opportunity to activate the individual development of your baby, as well as to entertain him.

Kinetic sand meets all the requirements that are presented to children's developing toys, and is environmentally friendly. In circulation, it is both convenient and harmless. In addition, it does not require special storage conditions. You can keep it in any capacity, but plastic or inflatable sandboxes are especially convenient. When exposed to moisture, sand should be allowed to dry, and then continue to play with it. The material properties will not be affected. The game material is intended for reusable use.

Live sand does not stick to your hands, does not clog your eyes and does not cause an allergic reaction. One recommendation: the presence of an adult in order to prevent ingestion of the material.

Buying kinetic sand, you give your child a reusable development toy, and many more joy.

Games for the little ones

Kinetic sand - what is it? Developing a toy! Child psychologists in one voice insist that playing with this material is not only fascinating, but also necessary for the baby to develop harmoniously.

What else is worth knowing about kinetic sand? How does this material work? There are special game exercises for which kinetic sand is used as an effective therapy. For example, to treat childhood autism and to remove the syndrome of childhood hyperactivity.

Gaming Accessories

For classes with kinetic sand, a large selection of gaming accessories is currently on sale. For example, sets with original tools and molds, special tables, inflatable sandboxes. All this will contribute to maintaining the purity of the place of the game, and also make the game safe directly at home.

Kinetic sand goes on sale in packs of cardboard. The weight of the material is 1 or 5 kg. For group classes, accordingly, large packages are designed.

Exercises for modeling in the sandbox

Kinetic sand - what is it? First and foremost, an inexhaustible source of both children's and adult inspiration. Below we offer several games using a toy such as kinetic sand.

How to play and organize an occupation using this toy? Independent fun with this material is recommended for children from three years and older. In some cases, the participation of adults is necessary to organize the game.

So, you have acquired kinetic sand. How to sculpt with benefit? With the help of tools and molds, the kid will try himself as a sculptor or erect architectural buildings from kinetic sand.

The game "Find Differences." The kid draws a finger on the surface of sand some simple picture, and then shows it to an adult. At this time he turns away. The adult should draw some details of the image, and then show it to the child, who should name the changes that occurred in the picture. During the game, a child and an adult can change roles.

The game "Unusual Footprints". The baby needs to press the palm and cams on the kinetic sand, move the hands in different directions, hit the surface of the material with your fingertips, make it wavy, and move your fingers simultaneously. The goal of the game is to simulate the tracks of animals, birds, insects and reptiles.

Where can I get it?

Such a thing as kinetic sand is best purchased in a special children's goods store. Do not forget to check before the purchase that the product is certified.

The online store is no less convenient way to purchase kinetic sand. On sites before purchase it is possible to familiarize with characteristics of this goods, responses of buyers and recommendations on use. On most sites of online stores posted cognitive videos that demonstrate the possibilities of live sand as an educational toy for children. On the same resources, you can buy inflatable sandboxes, a variety of game kits, as well as special tables for classes with this material.

Kinetic sand: how to store and use the material?

First of all, it should be noted that this material is manufactured in full compliance with safety recommendations. Kinetic sand is very practical, but it is sensitive to humidity. If you want the material to serve you for a long time, it is necessary to observe the following recommendations.

1) Use sand if humidity in the room is less than 60% and at room temperature. If the material is wet, it is necessary to allow it time to dry itself.

2) If the room is too dry, then the kinetic sand can be overwhelmed. In order to make it fluffy again, you need to rub a few drops of water in your hands and play with it a little. By itself, the material can not dry, since in its composition it does not have water.

3) It must be ensured that the sand is out of reach of pets.

4) Under the influence of the sun kinetic sand does not lose its properties.

5) Sand does not have its own smell, but it can absorb the one that comes from the hands. Therefore, before you start playing, you need to wash them and wipe them thoroughly.

6) You can not add the dye to the sand, as this will ruin its properties.

7) Kinetic sand should be stored in a closed inflatable sandbox or in an airtight container. This will protect the material from dust, excessive moisture and foreign objects entering it.

8) If you accidentally scattered sand, then it can be collected by hand or vacuumed. The grains do not adhere to the surface.

Can I do it at home?

Kinetic sand is quite popular today. However, many mothers are concerned about whether it is possible to reproduce it at home. So, how to make kinetic sand at home?

Our answer: such sand can be made at home. But it will be exactly "like". It can be made from aquarium sand, which is sold in a pet store, and you can use the sand you brought, for example, from the azure shores. However, it must first be sifted and calcined in the oven.

And then how to make kinetic sand at home? Mix four cups of sifted sand, two glasses of starch and one glass of water. Done!