Heel Print, Toe Print, Side Print

In the damp sand of the sandbox, kids make prints with different parts of their feet and hands, and then their partner guesses which part made it. It builds awareness of their own feet, weight bearing, and left-right awareness.

How to play

1. The teacher dampens the sand with a watering can and we smooth it with rakes so it's flat like paper (2 min).
2. The teacher shows three prints: heel only, toes only, and the side of the foot; we copy them in our own patch (2 min).
3. We try other prints: both feet together, a turned-in foot, an open hand, a fist, an elbow (2 min).
4. In pairs, one turns around while the other makes a secret print; the partner looks and guesses by trying to make it the same (3 min).
5. We make a trail of prints alternating right and left and walk it, stepping right on top (2 min).
6. We smooth the sand with our hands so it's ready for the next group (1 min).

Rules

• I make my prints in my own patch of sand.
• I step slowly so the print turns out nice.
• When I guess, I look closely and try it with my foot.
• Sand stays in the sandbox.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make prints with hands, elbows, or wheels in a tray of damp sand at their height.
• Visual impairment: guess by feeling the print with the fingers and comparing it with their own foot.
• Autism or dislike of sand: make prints with a sneaker or a sponge stamp instead of bare feet.

Learning goals

• Recognize parts of the foot and hand by their print.
• Control how the foot presses on the ground.
• Tell right from left along a trail.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Watering can: 1
• Sand rakes: 4

Teacher tip

Bare feet are fine only if you've checked and raked the sand first and it isn't hot; otherwise thin sneakers still leave prints. The sand should be damp, not soggy: a watering can is enough.

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