This post is the first of a series I will call “Five Easy Pieces”. Yes, that is the title of a 1970 Jack Nicholson film, but it is also the idea in fashion that five key pieces in your wardrobe can make all the difference. I am going to take this opportunity to show DIY activities for young children that can be made from Five Easy Pieces and inspire hours of educational fun!
This week’s project: Magnet Language Activity
Purpose:
- Visual matching
- Eye-Hand Coordination
- Vocabulary Enrichment
The five pieces:
- a magnetic board
- a set of magnets
- 11″ x 11″ color paper
- a small tray or basket
- adhesive
1. Choose a magnetic board. I picked up one for $3 in the Target dollar section. They are also available on amazon.com as well as office supplies stores. I recommend 12″x12″.
2. Choose a set of realistic magnets. I found a couple MagnaFun sets at our local Ross store. Melissa and Doug have some nice sets. I also really like this set by Mud Puppy
3. Make categories of 5-6 magnets. For example, I bought a farm set and a wild animal set and was able to make; farm animals, birds, farm equipment, mammals, African animals… Arrange each category of magnets face down on a color copier, place a piece of 11″x11″ color paper on top. 
4. Color copy the image onto card stock.
5. Trim the image as needed (I like to round the corners with a corner rounder).
6. Attach the laminated picture to the magnetic board with double stick tape.
7. Attach the magnetic board to the wall with industrial strength Velcro. (This can also be kept flat on a shelf, but I find young children like to see the magnets vertically on the wall).
8. Use a light weight basket or tray to house the magnets and attach it to the wall under the magnetic board.
9. Change the picture and magnets as your child’s interest changes.