These days, I’m definitely getting a closer, inside look at what homeschool might feel like, since the stay at home orders aren’t being lifted anytime soon! I’m finding that it’s important to balance traditional learning activities with ones that tend to be more exploratory in nature. Magnet play is something my kiddos enjoy, which can serve as a great extension to all learning concepts…literacy, math, science, etc.!
There are a multitude of magnet related videos, activities, and printables on Pinterest you can use to promote learning with your kids! Sometimes though, it’s fun to just PLAY…and these wands are a favorite in our house!
My boys love to go on a house hunt trying to see how many items they can collect with their wand. Following this simple activity, we had a discussion on what makes something stick or not stick to the wand (understanding magnetism)!
These rainbow counting chips can be used in SO many ways! Currently, my Kindergartner enjoys having them for counters on his base ten mat during math. They can be used for pattern play, a game of BINGO or categorizing objects or topics! We love categorizing animals, fruit/vegetables, flowers/plants, and vehicles by color.
As many of you already know, I like COLOR, so why stick to the plain and boring paper clips? This set makes playing more fun! My boys liked trying to create a “rainbow rope” with these paper clips, while using the wands to connect each one!
These MagFormers building block pieces let my toddler to join in the fun, too! We practiced learning colors and shapes while playing with these. LUCK WOULD HAVE IT you all that our kitchen table just so happens to have a steel frame and legs. So, consider this mom a happy camper when my kids were able to stick each and every magnet to the table. She was occupied for at least 30 minutes with these, which in 2 year old land….THIS. IS. HUGE. for mama!
I think it’s safe to assume most people don’t have metal on or within their tables, but did you know that most magnets will stick to your garage door? What an awesome canvas (huge, too) for your children to use!
One of the more unique magnet sets we own is the Magz-Bricks. They offer a variety of sets, which I plan to upgrade to for my son’s birthday coming up. You can make all sorts of interesting creations using them.
My 6 year old kept busy trying to figure out why the magnets would no longer hang down from the table after a certain point. About midway through, they would all go crashing to the floor. We talked about the concept of weight distribution, and it was so cool to see him problem solve to figure out a solution to his problem! He eventually figured out how to make it work!
Whether you use magnets for learning or simple fun, these will surely keep your kiddos entertained and engaged for some time. Consider it a perfect rainy day activity!
Do you have any magnetic toys or activities your kiddos love and enjoy?
