Sand Art Pictures with 5th & 6th Grade

This project was a huge hit with my 5th/6th grade classes.  There’s something about the feel of sand through your fingers that is soothing.  I’m telling you, every kid was very engaged.  I got applause after one of my demonstrations.  Applause!  When was the last time you had your class cheer and applaud after a demonstration?

We used Sand-O Adhesive Boards and X-Acto knives to make our pictures.  First, we drew the design with pencil.  Then we carefully cut one shape at a time (being sure not to cut all the way through the board.. a couple times the knife went all the way through, but these were fixed with a little tape on the back).  Then we peeled off the adhesive layer for one shape, sprinkled sand (some mixed with glitter) onto the sticky area, shook off the excess and returned the leftover sand to the container. 

Distributing the colored sand in these containers was the easiest way to keep the mess under control.

We went shape by shape cutting away the protective layer and sprinkling with sand.  You know how when you use glitter you can put a piece of paper underneath, pour on the glitter and then shake the excess onto the paper underneath?  That’s exactly what you do with the sand.  Then the remainder of that color can be poured back into the original color.  We made many sand pictures with our sand, because there was very little waste.  We kept a little broom handy for any spills.  Here is a link to some Colorful Rainbow Craft Sand.  I bought some bottles from Michaels craft store also so we would have different shades of colors.

Since this was the first time I taught a group of kids to cut adhesive boards, I was not sure of their skill level.  I left the subject matter wide open and just encouraged them to draw larger shapes, rather than tiny intricate details.

One thing we learned is that sometimes colors would stick on top of other colors.  I think this happened when the adhesive was not fully covered with the original color.  You can see how this happened on the white sand below.  Still, the student who made this had very good skill with cutting the letters so precisely.

Sometimes small details can be tricky to cut and add sand evenly.  Larger shapes are usually easier. Small, intricate shapes are generally more challenging.

Safety note:  You should know the population and culture of the kids who will be doing this project.  Is it acceptable for your school policies?  Be sure to go over and strongly emphasize safety and proper use of the knives.  I give my students a serious talk and emphasize the no joking aspect of using the knives.  It is one strike and you are out.  The kids should be heavily supervised.  I had no injuries.

Because of the high level of excitement and satisfaction with the process,  I will definitely be doing this project again.  Plus I have TONS of leftover sand.

Here are some of my previous posts on sand art.

Naoshi, a sand artist

My sample sand art flower

How to Make a Sand Painting Using Glue with additional artist connections

Sand Paintings with Kids

PowerPoint Presentation of Creating Sand Art with Glue + Information about Artists