Make your own toddler magnetic play area with a metal cookie sheet. Magnet play teaches toddlers what “sticks” while developing their fine motor skills.
Note: I have older children so my photo includes our alphabet letters which are too small for toddlers. Remember to use large, chunky magnets with your toddlers – ones that are bigger than 2 inches in diamater. Examples below.
What Sticks?
Give your child magnets and non-magnets. Have him figure what sticks.
What Is Red?
Use the magnets to talk about colors.
What is Big? What is Small?
Have your toddler put on big magnets; then small magnets.
** Choking Hazards: Again, avoid magnets smaller than 2 inches across, or anything that could fit inside a toilet paper tube.
Make Your Own Magnets
Make your own magnets with photos of family members glued to card stock or photos of your child’s favorite things. Buy a magnetic sticky sheet or magnetic strips at a craft supply store and attach to your photos. Also, you can print directly onto Avery’s inkjet magnetic sheets. Those sheets can be found at an office supply store.
Toddler-Safe Magnets
Large Wooden Magnetic Letters
Melissa and Doug Magnetic Dress Up Set
*for ages 3 and up
*for ages 3 and up
