Beauty of sanding playing

In every community playing yard, it must equipped 3 items: a swing, a slider and a sand box. I have always been wondering what's the beauty of sand playing. I didn't play it when I was a child. Obviously here in Finland it is a daily business.

Everyday in daycare, children get twice outdoor activities. The first time in the morning 9:30-11:00, the second time in the afternoon 3:00-parents pick the kids. Of course it always depends on the weather condition. Every now and then, they also have a forest "expedition"...

Sand box plays an important role in daily outdoor activities. However, I am not a big fan of it, since everyday it makes Bobo so dirty, as well brings loads of sand back to home :-(

(Bobo playing sand in our lot)

Just lately I read that sand playing is extremely helpful in developing children's mathematic skill as well as creativity. It also calms down children. Perhaps that's why it's been party of children playing in the western countries.

http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/AngelUnits/OneHour/Sand/SandLessonA.html

In June while we were visiting Shanghai, to our surprise, we even found a sand box playing ground in a local shopping mall "世纪联华". The mall is happen to be a part of an international
grocery market chain. Kids in every age seemed enjoying so much there :-)

(Bobo playing sand in Shanghai shopping mall)