This is a bonus post this week in honor of the high temperature today in New York City reaching 100 degrees.

What to do when you’re stuck inside all week due to the heat?

Today we made an air-conditioned sandbox. Or an “sandbox” indoors. 🙂

Since we couldn’t go outside we improvised.

We spread a large sheet on the carpet (as pictured above).

Then we raided the pantry for all the partial bags of old
beans, rice, lentils that hadn’t been used in ages.

Dump them all in.

Instant “sandbox.”

We used the box that our building blocks are usually stored in, but you could also use a cardboard box, lego tubs, laundry baskets, dishpan, canvas storage boxes, an old suitcase or even a large plastic or stainless steel mixing bowl.

(Note: Obviously this activity would not be appropriate for babies or young
children who still put things in their mouths. Lots of choking hazards here.)

Add some colored toys or manipuatives and you have an
instant sensory, color sorting game.

Grab some cups and spoons and start digging.

Stay COOL! Enjoy your summer.