We started drawing in a salt tray a few months ago and it quickly became a favorite morning activity. Sometimes I set it out with letter cards but most of the time, I just put it out for her as an open ended activity and she enjoys drawing in it.
This week we took an extra step and added some prewriting patterns to the mix. You can find printables for free or to buy online if you google "prewriting patterns" but I made our own using a black marker and index cards. I added a few shapes and patterns for her to try for fun and she loved it!
When she woke up in the morning, the salt tray was out and the cards scattered on the table. She drew for a little bit and then turned her attention to the cards. She didn't try all of them, but she tried some and practiced writing her name for a bit. There is absolutely no pressure to attain perfection in a salt tray and I think that's wonderful. She can celebrate her wins, she can erase her "good tries", and she can try things she might not have been willing to try with a pen and paper.
If your child is interested in letters or writing, try a salt tray. I bet they will love it!
I hope you try a salt tray, it's so much fun and we'll be doing it again soon! If you do, make sure to come tag us on IG and let us know how it went! We'd love to hear from you!
