Magnetic tiles are a fantastic STEM toy for fostering creativity and learning. Adding a few accessories can make them even more fun and educational. Here are my top three add-ons for magnetic tiles and the benefits of including them in play:
1. Light Up Balls
Sensory Experience: Light-up balls make playtime more exciting with vibrant colors and changing lights that captivate kids.
Encourages Exploration: Kids can build tunnels and mazes for the glowing balls, enhancing their engineering and critical thinking skills.
Improves Motor Skills: Handling and placing the light-up balls helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
PRO TIP: Use light-up balls in evening play sessions for a magical effect. Encourage kids to build different structures to see how the lights interact with the tiles.
2. Magnetic Animals
Boosts Imagination: Magnetic animals add storytelling to building play. Kids can create zoos, farms, and other scenes, sparking creativity.
Educational: These magnetic animals can help children learn about different species, habitats, and behaviors, making playtime educational.
Social Skills: Role-playing with magnetic animals helps kids develop empathy, share stories, and cooperate with others.
PRO TIP: Challenge children to build themed scenes like a jungle using magnetic tiles and use the magnetic animals to bring these scenes to life.
3. Motorized Cars
STEM Learning: Motorized cars teach basic physics and mechanics concepts, like movement and speed, through hands-on play.
Problem-Solving: Designing ramps and tracks for the cars that can withhold these motorized cars encourages strategic thinking and planning.
Cooperative Play: Building race tracks can be a team activity, promoting teamwork and communication.
PRO TIP: Set up mini engineering challenges, like designing the longest track or one with the most loops, to make learning fun and competitive.
Looking for More Play Ideas?
Explore 50 engaging activities in my book, ‘Magnetic Tiles STEM Play Ideas.’ Tailored for parents and educators alike, this book is your go-to resource for creating fun magnetic tile builds with your kids.