Fine Motor
Science
ThinkingToddlersGrade SchoolKindergartnersPreschoolers2 Comments
Make a robot with magnetic tiles and loose parts for creative fun with preschoolers and toddlers.
I have to say, I was a little skeptical about this whole craze with magnet tiles.
However, I bought my girls their first set a few years ago and wow, I’m sure glad I did.
They are amazing building toys that promote so much creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
My girls absolutely love them!
We now have a whole bin full of them. I’ve bought multiple knock off sets from amazon and they work amazing.
For more magnetic tile fun, try this magnetic tile marble maze.
Magnetic Tile Robot Building
To create your own Magnetic Tile Robot, you will need:
- magnetic tiles
- loose parts that are magnetic such as:
- screws
- nuts & bolts
- washers
- jar lids
- spoons
- pipe cleaners
- paper clips
Scavenger Hunt for Magnetic Loose Parts
To collect all the loose parts for their magnet tiles robots, I involved my kids in magnetic scavenger hunt.
I gave them both a magnet wand and we went searching through the house to see what we could find that was magnetic.
At first, they were just looking for anything, not matter the size.
I then turned their focus to finding small things.
They were pretty excited to find some small magnet loose parts as the magnet would pick up a whole bunch at a time.
As we found different items for the magnetic tiles robots, we placed them in a tray.
At this point the girls thought the activity was done. So they just wanted to play with the loose parts for awhile.
Sure, why not, explore. Magnets are so much fun!
Later I pulled out the magnetic tiles for the robots.
The girls instantly showed intrigue.
What came next, was a full hour of fun, exploration, problem solving and laughter.
Build Your Magnetic Tiles Robot
Together, we used the magnetic tiles to create a robot.
My oldest dug right in and was completely enthralled.
My youngest needed some guidance as she couldn’t visualize what a robot should look like.
For more robot fun, try this magnetic tile robot art activity.
Once we completed one, they then asked, ” What are the loose parts for?”.
When I explained to them that it was to decorate their magnetic tiles robots to make them more life like, they started cheering.
Children find magic in the smallest of things!
As the girls started adding loose parts, they quickly found out that they needed to be strategic about where they placed the parts on each magnetic tile.
Magnetic tiles only have a few magnetic spots on them.
I must say I was right in there with my girls.
I love building with my kids. It’s definitely one of favorite things to do with them.
Watching your children’s creativity shine is so much fun as a parent.
Look at those smiles! They are so proud of themselves!
These magnetic tiles robots had to be displayed for awhile.
The girls were so proud that they didn’t want to wreck them yet.
Not only was this activity engaging and fun, it was an activity that the girls kept coming back to over the course of the week.
They wanted to build more or change the design of their magnetic robots.
Do your children love magnetic tiles, too?
Share some of their creations with us. We’d love to see them.
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