I can day: tin can magnetic play at the discovery table

In our outdoor classroom, we continued our “I Can Day” by adding tin cans and magnets to our discovery table.

In each jar behind the cans was a different kind of DIY magnet for the children to use with the tin cans.

At the discovery table, we generally do not give any instructions to the children as to what they are to do there. We simply let the children discover the items that are out then make their own plan for play or exploration of the items.

The children are very good at figuring out what to do with the materials at the discovery table all on their own.

In the process of their play, the children fiddled with the magnets to determine which magnets would stick where and which magnets would stick what to what.

On the first day of our magnetic and tin can discovery table, we had mostly independent or parallel play going on.

But by the end of the first day and on into the second day, the children began to play together. Also, on the first day the boys primarily played at the magnetic discovery table but on the second day, the table was taken over by the girls.

The children used the magnetic DIY toys as coins for a store and as parts of a robot.

If you would like to read more about how the magnetic pieces were made, then click here to read the details I provide on making your own magnetic play set.

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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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