Among many other things, play itself has changed drastically over the past few decades. Kids went from being outside in the backyard making mud pies and playing hide and seek to being inside in a lesson or on a screen. This shift has caused an observable change in the strength of kids Executive Functioning skill sets - namely their self-regulation, organization, and attention. Free imaginative play is key to helping them establish those types of skills.

Sand is an example of a toy that is more like a tool. It is multi-functional and infinite in its possibilities. Sprinkles on a mud cake? Walls for an intricate waterway? A hole to bury your dad in? You name it, sand can do it. It fosters imaginative play, which is essential practice for the development of Executive Functioning Skills.