'We are inspired and excited to explore this new way of bringing our ideas to life'
- Student Leader, Target Rd School
The Sandman Lightbox isn’t just a tool—it’s an experience. Designed to spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and bring calm into the classroom. From literacy to culture, this hands-on method helps tamariki express themselves in ways words alone can’t.
Photo above: Students connect with natural elements ( sand) providing a tactile environment with the light giving way for them to explore creatively.
'Its the first time they've settled in the entire day-I can't beleive how quiet they are'
- Teacher Aide, Three Kings School
EFFORTLESSLY
'Thank you for reminding us there are different ways of engaging our tamariki -Creativity is Intelligence having fun!'
- Faye Huawai, The Learning Network
Photo above: Each student rotates so they are drawing, making music, reading, and speaking out loud. This is an example of learning about the 'koru' pattern.
The lightbox’s gentle glow and rhythmic movement of sand provide a calming, mindful activity for students of all abilities. Perfect for creating a peaceful start to the day or a creative wind-down at the end.
'Your talent and message reminded us of the beauty of creativity and the impact of art to communicate meaning beyond words'
- David Macmillan, NZ Catholic Principals Association
Unlike painting or crafts that need constant supplies, The Sandman Lightbox is a one-time investment. No brushes, paper, or paint to replenish. No waste. Mnimal mess- nothing brush pan and shovel can't fix. Watch limitless creativity with every handful of sand.
Cost effective: No consumables like paint/ brushes
Portable: Ability to set up and move around classrooms easily.
Space Saving : Lightboxes are tidy to pack away.
Photo above: An example of a classroom set up of 7 lightboxes with up to 4 students sharing a lightbox ( 28 students). This set can then be used to rotate throughout the school.
'The art the students had created with Marcus' support was awesome and the school story blew my mind'
- Aaron Overington, School Trustee
Can't beleive how much the sand art helps settle the students'
Teacher - Three Kings School
Watch students create their own sandart piece to show a school dispositions/value
Watch a customised story of how the school connects to local history
- Te Tatua O Rakataura
' It was a lovely assembly and the tamariki were SO engaged! We Loved the whole thing!
Marcus thank you for the love and care you took capturing this but also inspiring all of our learners!
Deputy Principal - Three Kings Primary
'Thank you for your inspirational presentation. Your powerful storytelling through sand art captivated us all. Your talent and message reminded us of the beauty of creativity and the impact of art to communicate meaning beyond words.
NZ Catholic Principles Association
'What an incredible gift you have - not just a talented artist but an incredible story teller that touches the soul. Thank you for reminding us there are different ways to engage our tamariki 'Creativity is Intelligence having fun'
The Learning Network
VIDEO: Watch The Sandman breakdown the Lightbox, whats included and tips for use in the class.
Using a lightbox to create sand art in the classroom for storytelling and self-expression can offer several benefits.
Here are ten advantages of incorporating a lightbox in your learning environment:
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Integrating a lightbox into sand art activities in the classroom provides a visually captivating and multi-sensory experience that nurtures storytelling, self-expression, and a range of cognitive and emotional benefits for students.
'These students are usually quite shy hard to get a peep out of them - but through the lightbox - I can see the expression come out in the sand '
- Teacher Aide , Three Kings School
Marcus Winter is Aotearoa’s leading live sand artist and storyteller, performing internationally and captivating audiences with his signature lightbox art. With a mission to bring creativity and cultural storytelling into every school, Marcus created these lightboxes so tamariki can experience the magic for themselves.
He has worked with different schools in different capacities to bring lightboxes into schools and run workshops showcasing the many uses and benefits of sand art in re-emphasising curriculum topics.
Photo above: Marcus Winter 'The Sandman' has proven success of lightboxes in schools, showcasing creativity across curriculum, inspiring teachers at Principal and Literacy Conferences.
'Our class watches your videos at least once a day. It has progressed and developed in to a passion for them. They were in the sandpit everyday recreating Matariki, Rangi & Papa '
- Tiffany, Kaiako ( Teacher), Te Pākārito
Photo above: Learning in sand art lightboxes, has many benefits
including helping bring more focus and calm.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Send an email to request a quote, get on the waiting list - Give our young minds the tools to unleash more creativity and enhance learning of curriculum now!