Magnetic game: A first approach to magnetism

BETTER FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND HAND-EYE COORDINATION

By placing the pieces of magnetic toys on different surfaces, your child learns spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination and develops fine motor skills with his hands and fingers. The majority of magnetic games also serve as construction games, allowing children to work on their ability to reproduce shapes and objects.

(@Canva / magnetic motor skills game)

WORK ON YOUR LANGUAGE

Talk to your child while you play to develop their language skills. What color is the piece he is holding? What is its shape? Is it larger or smaller than the piece to its left? Start talking about the process and the words will become a learning experience in their own right. Plus, you can use the magnets to learn spelling! And why not push things a little further and introduce English vocabulary for the colors and shapes of magnets?

Many love games representing the letters of the alphabet are also available. The child will therefore have more fun trying to reproduce a word with these fun, colorful and magnetic letters which stick everywhere than writing them on a white sheet. Think about it!

(@Canva / magnetic letters alphabet - writing - magnetic game)

Also discover our article on "How to learn English from a young age?"

PROMOTES THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

This is particularly evident when playing with an association game. When a child is given a task to solve (such as reproducing a face or trying to build a structure), he learns from cause and effect. A magnet may be too heavy or the color may not suit the model they are creating. All these little “mistakes” will make learning easier! This is also the case for magnetic construction games where the notions of balance and force are tested.

NEW CREATIVE SKILLS

As opposed to developing cognitive skills, magnets can also encourage creative and imaginative play. Sure, the magnet may look like a circle to you, but to your child it might be a planet to land on, a roaring lion's head, or maybe a ball thrown into the garden. Everything is possible when we give our children the opportunity to imagine and develop their creativity. Combining magnetic games with other toys such as figurines or animals gives children even more opportunities to create their own world.

(@Canva / magnetic creation with magnet game)

PROMOTE SOCIAL SKILLS

It is essential to cultivate your children's social skills so that they learn how to behave around other people. Although this toy can be assembled solo, playing with other children is much more fun. By sharing and building objects together, the activity teaches them to interact and get closer to others. As a result, they become friendlier and more empathetic.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR STEM (Scscience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Have you ever thought about using magnetic toys to make your child understand and love STEM?

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics have become a major theme education due to projected job growth in STEM-related careers. One of the main benefits of using magnetic play in STEM education is that children of all ages enjoy experimenting with magnets. This, combined with the many hands-on activities that magnetic play provides, makes it an excellent rounded learning opportunity for nursery and elementary classrooms.

(@Canva / STEM for kids)

Another benefit is that magnetic play can help children develop and maintain skills in all four STEM disciplines:

✅ THE SCIENCE: Magnetic play (or magnet play) is a great way to teach children how magnets work. Life and environmental sciences can also be integrated into magnetic play activities with a variety of magnetic materials that allow children to design insects and flowers.

✅ TECHNOLOGY: You can help children learn about technology while playing with magnets by discussing technological devices that use magnets to work and how some Technology items can be damaged by magnets.

✅ ENGINEERING: A number of magnetic building objects, such as blocks or Magnet-Me™, are available for help children learn about engineering by designing and building various creative structures.

(@The Smart Child / Magnetic construction game)

✅ MATH: Children add and subtract magnets from a surface as they play, helping them learn concepts such as plus and minus, on and off, size and shape.

In addition to the Scientific side, you will be happy to note that the magnetic game also offers many artistic opportunities to children as we have seen previously. Encourage them to use their creativity to design and build many structures and objects with magnetic building blocks and other elements.

WANT NEW WAYS TO PLAY WITH YOUR MAGNETS?

💨Experiments - Put a basket of objects, some magnetic and some not, and use a magnetic wand to find out what is metallic and what is not. This is a great magnet game that doubles as a fishing experience and a classifying and sorting game.

(@Canva / Magnetic angling)

🧲Magnet Hunt - Place magnets around your house, or even in a room, and give your child a basket to collect them all. This is a great way to play hide and seek because you can place the magnets in places your child wouldn't normally think of!

👩🏻‍🏫Maths Lessons - Use number magnets to discuss a range of math concepts such as size, value, space and simple counting . Ask your child: “How many red coins are there?”, “What is the largest number?”, “What is the number to the left of 7?”. The same can also be done with letters and words to be reproduced on any magnetic medium.

(@Canva / magnetic numbers and letters)

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING MAGNETIC BLOCKS?

Before you rush into purchasing, there are things you need to consider. To choose the best magnetic toys, here are some factors to consider:

1. Durability of blocks
You need to make sure that your magnetic blocks will not tear into pieces when your children throw them in tantrums or when they get very enthusiastic in playing. Also check that the locking magnets attached to each block are very functional. Remember that you cannot play with blocks without a magnet. Make sure the magnets they use are strong and durable. This will help you keep them longer and save you from having to buy new ones.

2. Types of magnetic building blocks
There are different types of blocks available in the market, but when you buy, always choose the ones that are flexible enough to allow your children's creativity. Also look for blocks that have letters or numbers attached to them so you can incorporate reading time while they play. You should also consider color options. Buy ones that are multi-colored so they don't get tired of just one color. Finally, consider the edges of each block. Never buy pieces that are sharp.

3. Block Material and Size
If you are looking for plastic magnetic blocks, make sure the material is safe and does not contain dangerous chemicals. Plastic magnetic blocks are easier to clean than wooden ones. The safest toys are also unbreakable. Also don't forget that the size of the blocks is also important. Choose the right size so they fit your child's hand. This will make him more comfortable holding the blocks and playing with them.

4. Age
When choosing block types, also consider the age of your children. Never opt for parts that your children could swallow, which could put them in danger. For toddlers over three years old, choose larger blocks. Always choose the appropriate size for them, as different blocks are created for different age groups.

5. Number of pieces
The greater the number of pieces available, the more ideas your children have. Choose the magnetic block set that has at least 60 pieces. Less than that, their creativity will be limited.

Magnets are fun and enjoyable toys to use. But the great thing about these fantastic tiles is that they contribute to your children's development. Even if you can let them play independently, this type of game allows you to share a real quality moment together, enjoy it!

Now you are ready to purchase your magnetic construction set for your child. Discover your first set of magnetic blocks at L'Enfant Malin, specialist in educational games.

(@L’Enfant Malin / Games and magnetic blocks)

Magnets are present almost everywhere around us. It is therefore essential to familiarize our children with this fundamental principle which is magnetism. Magnetic games (magnetic play) are the gateway to this fascinating and intriguing world! Your children will learn a lot while having fun.