It is time to dig for clues! Like most good mysteries, you will first need to set the stage.Collect 10 toys or items that would fit with our mystery theme. Place the items in a row near the sand table. Number the items by placing a small card with a single number in front of each item. Hide plastic numbers deep in the sand box. Invite a small group of children to the sand table to dig for numbers. When a child finds a number, ask him to match it to the numbered item. There are many variations on this game. You may choose to have children take turns digging through the sand. You may have one child find a couple of numbers before moving on to the next child. This could also be an independent activity during center time. Ask the children to count the items when the game is over.Check out this week’s free lesson plan for other ways to look for buried treasure.