Fun in the sandbox helps kids practice important social skills. Sharing, cooperating, negotiating, and waiting are just a few. In the very confined space of the sandbox kids interact with each other, playing and having fun together. There will be issues that need to be resolved and kids will need to learn how to take turns as they give and take in the sandbox.
All of these are the same social skills that kids will need in kindergarten. While kindergarten readiness is not dependent on kids’ social development, their social readiness will make life in the group a lot more fun. Do you agree that practicing these skills now helps with readiness for kindergarten and even beyond?