Children's kinetic non-crumbling sand for modeling: what is it and what are the differences from other types? Kinetic sand and sandbox for children - photos and prices. How to choose a magic material All the pros and cons of colored sand for children

Uninitiated parents who have heard rave reviews about this material for children's creativity, you will definitely be interested in cosmic sand: what is it and how does “it” work? Why not just drag the child by the ears from activities with this loose substance? And what games with sand can and should be offered to your baby?

Wonderful material for children and parents!

Space sand is a truly wonderful material for playing. 98% of it consists of ordinary sand, and the whole secret is in the remaining 2%. A special plasticizer that imparts elasticity turns traditional material into a real miracle!

• Sand is pleasant to the touch: it is dry, loose and at the same time plastic.
• It easily takes and holds the shape that a small builder wants to give it, but changing the shape and creating a new one is just as easy.
• Anti-allergenic, non-toxic and safe for children, as it consists of natural ingredients.
• Promotes the active development of the child: finger motor skills are improved, imagination and the ability to solve problems logically are developed, memory and intelligence are trained, the child gets rid of aggressiveness and childhood fears through play.
• Parents are delighted: the sand keeps the child occupied for a long time, besides, the material does not stain clothes, it is easy to assemble and no additional cleaning is required after classes.

If you still have no idea what cosmic sand looks like, the photo will help you find out and be convinced of its wonderful properties.

What games can you come up with with space sand?

1. Using molds from sand sets, we make Easter cakes. From cosmic sand they are smooth, beautiful, even, and hold their shape well. By the way, cookie cutters can also come in handy.
2. Kids enjoy making clear imprints on the surface of the sand with any embossed toy.
3. Girls can create confectionery products that cut into portions very well, and boys can create alien monsters.
4. "Build a city." From comic sand you can build entire cities with high castles, towers, streets - they will hold up perfectly. Using themed toys, you can create gardens with birds, farms with pets, islands with pirates, etc.
5. Game "Treasure Island". An adult and a child draw a map with designated mountains, houses, rivers, etc., and the child builds a terrain from sand based on the drawing. Then the child turns away, and the adult hides the “treasures” in the sand, marking the treasure locations on the map with crosses. Using the diagram, the child must find the treasure. Later, you can entrust all the work of drawing up a map and building a composition to a child, and the adult will be a treasure hunter. The game develops motor skills, thinking, and visual memory.
6. "Riddles." To play you will need small toys that can be hidden in the sand. Then ask the child a riddle and offer to find the answer in the sandbox, which the adult will prudently bury in the sand. Logical thinking, fine motor skills are developed with the help of this game.

In addition to the recommended games, there are many interesting ideas, which space sand will help to realize: the video will help in choosing options. And most importantly, give the child the opportunity to experiment on his own: children themselves have the right to decide what they need right now.

Modeling is one of the favorite activities of children of different ages. If not everyone had the opportunity to create from dough or clay, then every child held plasticine in their hands. And how much fun fussing in the sandbox brings to the little ones. But this entertainment is strictly limited by weather conditions.

Cosmic sand will help you bring your favorite activities of sculpting Easter cakes and Easter cakes to your home. This relatively new invention amazes even adults with its characteristics. Familiarization with the properties of cosmic sand will be of interest to anyone in whose environment there are children who have not reached adolescence.

Characteristics of space sand

Educational activities with children are the main purpose of space sand, the composition of which was developed by Russian scientists.

In addition to the educational effect, when children become familiar with letters and numbers, shapes and sizes with the help of sand, there are many games with a material that is pleasant to the touch. In some cases, the product is even used for medicinal purposes.

Children's activities with space sand bring many benefits:

• strengthen the muscles of the hands and activate the mobility of the joints of the hands;
• promote the development of spatial thinking and fine motor skills;
• develop perseverance and at the same time develop creativity;
• successfully combat hyperactive behavior, relieve stress and make the child calmer;
• develop imagination and desire for new experiments.

Advantages

Space sand has a lot of positive characteristics:

The product packaging, in addition to the material itself, contains molds and a book with suggestions for organizing the gaming and educational process, as well as a storage container.

Negative points

When purchasing “space” material, you should be prepared for the following negative points:

• If a child takes the product with wet hands, grains of sand stick to the skin.
• The high density of the material is the reason for the small quantity per 1 kg package.
• Sometimes parents notice the presence of an unpleasant chemical odor.
• If a child plays on the floor without protective supports, the surface will become slippery.
• It will not be possible to mold a tall figure from cosmic sand; over time, it will begin to settle and crumble.

Compound

Quartz sand is the main component of the innovative material. Polymer substances that act as a binding element occupy about 2% of the total composition. They are responsible for the plasticity and other unique properties of the product.

Caring parents have a natural question about the harmlessness of the material. Manufacturers assure that it is completely safe to use cosmic sand when playing with children. Even if a child swallows a small part of the product, it will not have a toxic effect on the body and will be released naturally.

Video material will help you verify the unique properties of the product:

Gaming moments: what is useful to know

Manufacturers recommend starting classes with children who have reached three years old. However, the development of a child is an individual process, so experts allow earlier use of the product as games and activities. But the process must take place under strict parental supervision.

How much sand is needed for a full game? It all depends on the age of the child. But for initial acquaintance, it is better to purchase a kilogram package as a sample. When the child is interested in the material, you can always supplement the existing arsenal. One kilogram will be enough for the baby. When planning group games, the space product is purchased at the rate of 1 kg of material per 1 child.

There are many interesting activities and games using space sand:

• Modeling of various figures. The included shapes will also help you create a fun collection.
• It is interesting to use the material to make sausages and cakes, which can then be conveniently cut with a plastic knife.
• If you have a toy dump truck, organize the construction process.
• Look for small toys in the cosmic sand, previously hidden by an adult or a playmate.
• Draw funny pictures on the compacted material using a toothpick.
• Carry out " graphic dictation”, when the child will draw a certain figure using given points.

More detailed information about educational activities for children using cosmic sand is presented in the attached book.

IN classic version the material has a light brown tint. But other colors are also available:

• yellow;
• hot pink;
• green;
• blue;
• violet.

During the game the product different colors can be combined with each other to obtain new original shades. The result will be identical to mixing paints.

Features of operation

To extend the period of use of space sand, you must comply with several simple conditions:

• Store the material in a special container or plastic box. This protective measure will prevent contamination of the product.
• If moisture gets into space sand, it must be dried. To do this, it is enough to scatter the material in a thin layer.
• Before playing, it is recommended that your child wash and dry their hands. After finishing the lesson, the procedure is repeated.
• Organize the creative process on a smooth and clean surface so that after play there is an opportunity to collect spilled material. This will protect space sand from loss and volume reduction.

The fear of complex cleaning after classes is in vain. To collect spilled material, it is enough to take a dense handful of sand and collect the grains of sand in a lump, which will stick to the main mass like a magnet.

It’s not always possible to find new items in children’s stores. Online stores will come to the rescue, where space sand is presented in suitable packaging and different color range.

Important! Don’t forget to check with your sales consultants that they have a quality certificate.

According to reviews from parents who use the “space” product in games with children, it is an excellent material for educational activities and just entertainment. Adults enjoy modeling themselves.

Similar product

There are analogues to Russian cosmic sand on the children's goods market. This is a Swedish kinetic material for sculpting and a “live” South Korean one.

Their operating principle is approximately the same, but there are also significant differences:

• "Live" sand is offered only white, the space product is available in six shades.
• The basis of the Korean material is shell rock, so when moisture gets in, the product dissolves. The cosmic and kinetic analogue is made from quartz sand, so the sand is resistant to moisture.
• The products of Russian and Swedish manufacturers have much in common, but the domestic product is valued due to its lower price while maintaining all the important characteristics.

Craftsmen who cannot afford to buy innovative material can be advised to create their own product, similar in properties to the original.

Space sand will be an excellent addition to your arsenal of educational toys. own child And an original gift familiar young parents. The video review will help you get to know the original new product better.

Content

Today, not only various children's computer games, but also traditional fun. So, now there is an excellent alternative to leisure time in an ordinary sandbox - creative activities with kinetic sand. Read reviews of such products from different manufacturers and decide which product is best to buy for your child.

What is kinetic sand

This material is an excellent development for children’s home games right in the apartment. The substance consists almost entirely of fine sand, but thanks to the addition of a special synthetic material to it, the individual grains are connected by polymer fibers. Kinetic plasticine for children acquires plastic properties, does not dry out, does not stick to hands and does not get dirty. Because of these improved qualities, it deservedly received the name “plasticine-sand” for children, because it can be used to make the most various crafts, whatever the child can come up with.

Many parents, when they first see such a toy, are confused by the considerable price of the product in comparison with an ordinary natural mineral. For these buyers, before buying a creative product for a child, it will be useful to read a description of the possibilities of its use and a list of important differences from traditional material. Kinetic play sand for modeling has the following basic properties:

• does not contain components harmful to health, as well as various types of garbage that can be found in a regular sandbox;
• always has the consistency of wet sand, making it easy to sculpt the most bizarre figures that retain their shape well;
• you can work with it both with plastic and as crumbly material;
• it is convenient to use in the house (sculpt in a special sandbox tray or directly on the table) - its composition will not leave sticky marks, and individual grains of sand, like magnetic ones, will easily gather to the main lump;
• multi-colored: may have a natural shade or have blue, pink, green or other bright colors;
• does not lose its properties when wet - after it dries, it is ready for use again;
• used in children's leisure activities, but at the same time brings practical benefits for the child: develops finger motor skills, relieves excitability;
• suitable for children aged 3 years and older (you can play with this material earlier if the child does not put it in his mouth);
• has no expiration date - retains its dynamic properties for a long time.

Composition

The material can be found on sale under different names. Smart sand for children, liquid, telescopic, cybernetic, cosmic, lunar - these are synonyms for mass. You need to know that the production of different brands is based on a similar technological process. A polymer and dye are added to the natural ceramic mineral, which is first thoroughly sifted and calcined to remove all harmful impurities. The sand to additive ratio is often 98% and 2%, but sometimes for higher viscosity it is 90% and 10%.

Kinetic Sand

This product for children's creativity is presented in a wide range - you can find packaging on sale different weights, with a huge variety of colors. Not only kids, but also adults love to feel its soft, airy texture on their palms. From a variety of products, you can choose the material in its pure form or purchase a whole set for creativity along with a sandbox and various figures:

• Name: Kinetic Sand brown;
• Price: 916 RUR;
• Characteristics: packaging weighing 910 g, the color of the material is similar to sea sand;
• Pros: causes pleasant tactile sensations; flows easily, but does not crumble around; does not dry out, which allows you to play with it for a long time; does not stick to your hands;
• Cons: you need to buy a sandbox and accessories separately.

Another excellent material option for children's creativity is presented in a set with molds. With it, your baby will be interested in learning new colors and mastering shapes:

• Name: Kinetic Sand colored with molds;
• Price: 1243 RUR;
• Characteristics: packaging weighing 340 g; the material is presented in 2 sets - “Dog Kennel” (a combination of purple and green) and “Palaeontological Excavations” (blue and brown);
• Pros: using molds you can make expressive, colorful figures, the material is non-toxic;
• Cons: when mixing different colors, they can no longer be separated; the presence of accessories affected the cost of the product.

Waba Fun

The product of this Swedish company has rightfully earned the love of the children. The product line includes a variety of bright colors, and the ability to additionally select the necessary accessories only adds to the positive reviews grateful customers.

• Name: Waba Fun color;
• Price: 1598 – 2324 rubles;
• Characteristics: packaging of material of one color (blue, yellow, pink, etc.) weighing 2.270 kg, the product is sold with a sandbox;
• Pros: with a large amount of material, you can make many toy crafts at the same time; safe, non-toxic;
• Cons: for full creative process you need to buy more molds.

Articles and the following product from the same company can be a good basis for children's creativity:

• Name: Waba Fun two-color;
• Price: 1598 – 2324 rubles;
• Characteristics: the set contains 2 packs of sand in two colors (each 1.135 kg) and a sandbox;
• Pros: when mixing different colors you can get new shades; safe, non-toxic material;
• Cons: no molds.
• 
  

  Lepa

  Products of this brand are found under the trade name “touching sand” - this is how the domestic manufacturer emphasizes that you will want to touch this magical toy again and again! In the Lepa line you can find an innovative development - thermochromic pigment.

  • Name: Modeling set Lepa Touching sand;
  • Price: 350 rub.
  • Specifications: 500 g packaging, without accessories.
  • Pros: completely replicates the color and texture of wet sea sand, but at the same time dry and non-greasy to the touch; does not get dirty, is not afraid of moisture; safe, non-toxic; noticeable difference in price compared to a foreign product.
  • Cons: no variety of colors.

  Very interesting feature– change color – the following product from the same manufacturer has:

  • Modeling kit Lepa Thermochromic sand;
  • Price: 610 rub.;
  • Pros: has the property of magically changing colors under the influence of the heat of the palms; safe to use;
  • Cons: the thermochromic property affects the price.

  

  Cosmic kinetic sand

  This wonderful educational toy is also made in Russia. On the product packaging there is the word “plastic” - this indicates that the figures will mold well and keep their shape:

  • Name: Space plastic sand for children;
  • Price: 295 RUR;
  • Characteristics: packaging weighing 500 g, without accessories;
  • Pros: wide selection of material colors - natural or bright, rich shades; safe to use; low price;
  • Cons: if the child’s palms are wet, they may stick; falls apart during play.

  Pay attention to the following product, which can be an excellent thematic preparation for a variety of interesting games:

  • Title: Space Sand Sea World;
  • Price: 1630 RUR;
  • Specifications: base packaging blue color weighing 3 kg, sandbox, molds, book with descriptions of games;
  • Pros: absolutely safe for children;
  • Cons: inconvenient to play with it in the hot season - sticks to the palms; afraid of straight lines sun rays and getting wet.

  

  Angel Sand

  This product is made in South Korea. Along with many properties that are traditionally inherent in this type of material, the difference between Angel Sand is its smaller fraction and a higher percentage of polymer in the composition.

  • Name: Angel Sand creativity kit;
  • Price: 1320 RUR;
  • Characteristics: packaging weighing 700 g, the product is offered in different colors, including white;
  • Pros: airy, almost weightless to the touch; calm, pastel colors; thanks to the fine fraction, denser figures are obtained; does not stick to hands;
  • Cons: dissolves in water.

  The next option will especially appeal to girls, who will certainly enjoy making different types of ice cream from the base:

  • Name: Angel Sand Ice Cream Creative Kit;
  • Price: RUB 3,795;
  • Characteristics: 4 packs of multi-colored sand, sandbox, molds;
  • Main advantages: crumbly, during active play the volume increases almost 2 times; does not harden; does not stick to hands; non-toxic;
  • Cons: dissolves when wet.

  

  Spin Master

  This product from a Canadian company is very popular trademark. Different colors, a very pleasant, silky structure, the ability to buy the material separately or a ready-made set is very attractive to buyers.

  • Name: Spin Master Kinetic Sand two-tone;
  • Price: RUB 1,939;
  • Characteristics: packaging weighing 454 g with a base of two colors;
  • Pros: does not crumble, is easy to clean, does not stick to hands, safe for children;
  • Cons: high price.

  This product from the same manufacturer can be a wonderful gift for a baby. It holds its shape perfectly and allows you to create any figures:

  • Name: Spin Master Kinetic Sand;
  • Price: 1480 RUR;
  • Characteristics: packaging weighing 454 g with a base of one color;
  • Pros: pleasant texture; does not crumble, easy to clean; not sticky; safe for children.
  • Cons: high cost.

  

  LORI

  Another inexpensive representative of the domestic brand in this category. The buyer will find different thematic sets in this product line, and then will be able to additionally purchase new colors that the child likes.

  • Name: Kinetic sand LORI;
  • Price: 316 RUR;
  • Characteristics: packaging weighing 1 kg with a base of the same color, sandbox;
  • Main advantages: packed in a plastic bucket; you can choose different shades; holds its shape well; safe and non-toxic.
  • Cons: the dye gets a little dirty.

  If your baby loves to spend time modeling with plasticine, pay attention to the following product. It holds its shape perfectly and practically does not dry out:

  • Name: Rainbow sand LORI;
  • Price: 228 rub.
  • Characteristics: 4 packages of different colors with a total weight of 600 g, sandbox, molds.
  • Pros: each type is packaged in a separate plastic container; holds its shape well, does not dry out; inexpensive.
  • Cons: the dye gets dirty, so the base leaves marks on your hands and furniture.

  

  How to choose kinetic sand

  When purchasing creative materials, pay attention to a number of recommendations. Kinetic sand for modeling can be bought in an online store, but it is better to order from a catalog through the official website of the manufacturer - you will protect yourself from the risk of buying a cheap fake made in China. Weigh the benefits of buying one color and a set. It will be more convenient to store living sand for children in a special tray with a lid and use thematic shapes, rather than purchasing inexpensively only the base and then looking for accessories. It will cost less as a kit.

Today, in order to play in the sandbox, children do not have to wait for the warm season. You can make little beads, you can build castles all year round without leaving home, thanks to a new invention by toy manufacturers - kinetic sand and its variation - cosmic sand. How is kinetic sand different from regular sand?

What is it?

Cosmic sand is a type of kinetic sand produced by the Russian company “Magic World”. First, a little about kinetic sand. Its inventor was Swedish manufacturers. 98% of its composition is natural sand different shades. This sand is not afraid of moisture, is very elastic and easily restores its properties after getting wet.

Space plastic sand has a slightly different composition. Most of it is quartz sand. For elasticity, polymer materials are added to space sand that do not cause allergies in children. The material does not dry out, but it is better not to add water to it. If water does get in, it is best to separate the wet part of the sand and dry it in the oven for about 5 minutes at 120 degrees.

Cosmic plastic sand can be of a natural shade. If other colors are needed, manufacturers add dyes to space sand. The game material is sold in a plastic box in which sand can be stored.

Material properties

The popularity of space sand is explained by its amazing properties. According to the manufacturers, it is pleasant to the touch, molds well and at the same time crumbles like regular one. The sand is airy and does not stick to your hands.

You can build various shapes from it, it is environmentally friendly, so it is great for children. Psychologists actively use it to treat nervous breakdowns and psychological diseases. Cosmic sand has a positive effect on the child’s psyche and skills:

• develops fine motor skills;
• strengthens the muscles of the arms and hands;
• stimulates imagination and creative activity;
• relieves tension, is an excellent preventive measure hyperactivity;
• exercises fingertips.

Cosmic sand can benefit not only children, but also their parents:

• gives rest, since the baby can play with the material for a long time;
• does not take up much storage space;
• safe, unlike a sandbox, since no one plays with the sand except your child;
• Parents themselves can use cosmic sand to relieve psychological stress.

Space sand is turning into more than just a game tool. It is a therapeutic remedy for stress, improves mood, and can be actively used in art therapy.

Playing with sand is very easy and you can make many things out of it. For example, build a castle that will last a long time and will not collapse. Kids can make regular molds out of it. A person of any age can find something to do using cosmic sand.

Where to buy?

Cosmic sand is an affordable means today. It can be purchased on the manufacturer's website. Depending on the weight and color scheme, the purchase price will vary. So, for half a kilogram of ordinary sand you will need to pay about 400 rubles. However, half a kilogram will not be enough for children's creativity, so parents will have to pay much more for a larger volume of material. A sandbox weighing 3 kg will cost 1500-2000 rubles.

Sand is available in various assortments:

• Standard set. Sold in plastic packages of 0.5-3 kg.
• Thematic set. A total of 10 types of sets are offered. In each of the sets you will find: sand of different shades, molds, an inflatable sandbox, a 3D field for playing.
• Glowing sand. The material has the property of glowing in the dark. This glow and the material that generates it are completely safe for children.
• Changing colors. The sand changes color like a chameleon. When you hold the material in your hand, its shade may change after a while.
• Flavored. The pleasure of flowers is complemented by the pleasure of smell. You can make a strawberry or blueberry meadow from sand.

Space sand allows you to manifest limitless fantasy kids. After you place an order on the website, the product will be delivered to your address. You can see how this sand works in the video.

How to do it yourself?

If you can’t buy a toy, you can make sand with your own hands from available materials. For production you will need:

• 4 cups of clean sand, which can be purchased at a pet store;
• 2 cups starch;
• glass of water.

Mix starch with sand and add water little by little. To prevent the sand from turning out liquid, you do not need to pour a lot of water. If you require colored sand, you can add a little gouache or food coloring. Mix all the ingredients in a deep bowl and spread on paper to dry.

There's another one easy way manufacturing. It consists of mixing crushed crayons and semolina. Do-it-yourself kinetic sand is ready.

Perhaps such a toy will not have the properties that are attributed to purchased products, but you will know that all the ingredients in it are completely natural.

Kinetic sand is one of our favorite materials for modeling and playing. It is so pleasant to the touch that even adults can use it to relax. In order for this material to bring only positive emotions, you need to be able to handle it correctly and, importantly, store it in compliance with all conditions.

What is kinetic sand?

Despite amazing properties, kinetic sand consists of ordinary quartz sand (as purified as possible) and a very small amount of a special binder. It is thanks to this substance that kinetic sand has its famous qualities - it wakes up through your fingers and takes on the necessary shapes.

Kinetic sand behaves just like wet sea sand, but in fact it always remains dry. You can sculpt various figures from it or just play. It does not stain clothes and does not remain on your hands. And, what is especially important for young children, the material is hypoallergenic and hygienic - harmful microorganisms simply do not multiply in it.

Kinetic sand in individual packaging is where a child can start his creativity. One of the most popular brands on the market is “Cosmic Sand” ()

How to store kinetic sand?

There are two options for storing kinetic sand. Since the child plays with this material in a special home sandbox, it is easiest to leave the sand in it. It is recommended to cover the sandbox so that the sand does not get dusty and remains clean.

It is equally convenient to store sand in a separate container. This option is often preferable, especially if we're talking about about an inflatable sandbox that is easier to lower and remove.

Expert opinion

Kinetic sand has become an indispensable material for playing at home. It is safe and convenient, although it should be remembered that small child You shouldn’t leave it alone with this material - despite the fact that it doesn’t stick to your hands, your baby can still get sand into his eyes or mouth. When playing with sand, it would be a good idea to lay additional oilcloth under the sandbox - this will make the material easier to remove.

Specialist of the online store “Daughters and Sons”
Leonovich Yulia

Conclusions

Kinetic sand is convenient to play with, it has a pronounced therapeutic effect and can bring positive emotions to both children and adults, who can easily use it to relieve stress. Storing kinetic sand correctly is not at all difficult - in any case, it retains its properties for a very long time.