Patterns in the sand

As you walk along a sandy shore at low tide, notice the ridges in the sand. Ask your child if he can tell you what has caused these. Discuss the effect of the waves on the sand as they roll in and out. Look out for sand pitted by recent rain storms and swirly patterns made by shells being spun round in the waves. Can your child tell you who or what has made various footprints in the sand (humans, dog and birds)? Point out sand that has been blown by the wind into huge sand dunes or tiny peaks. Show your child the coarse grass that often grows on dunes and the stones that often appear at the top of tiny peaks.