As a handful of kindergartners played freely in the sand box, they didn't know that they were also gaining cognitive and interpersonal relationship skills. Through the "Sand and Play" program, students learned to adapt socially and emotionally with a hands-on learning experience. The program's goal was to promote free exploration and independent learning initiatives through experimentation in the sand and water table.

To enhance the imagination, students were given a set of rules and instruction on how to play in the tables. They conducted investigations on what happened when water and sand mixed. While establishing relationships with peers, students also gained a level of responsibility and commanded their own level of learning.

"With this grant I am able to provide many hours of students learning through play for my current as well as future students," says Anderson teacher Ellen Heath.