This DIY was so easy to make that I considered not including it here, but my children use it literally every day. All you need is a box of some kind. It could be a wooden box (again I am using a Melissa and Doug box from an old toy), or even a Tupperware container. Then you need a filler. It could be salt, sand or even gravel to change it up. That is it! If you like you can throw in a tool of some sort to help the children flatten the filler out but they can just as easily give the container a little shake to reset the activity. With this DIY children can practice writing lines, numbers and letters without needing to use a pencil. For younger children whose hands have not developed the strength and control needed to write effectively with a pencil this activity can give them the chance to write without tiring out their hands. It is also a very meditative experience with little pressure for the child as the marks they make are so temporary. All it takes is a shake and they have a fresh start! Couple this activity with sand paper letters or numbers to give the children the opportunity to practice tracing them before attempting to write them independently.
