Magnet Activities For Preschoolers

 Exploring magnets makes an awesome discovery table! Discovery tables are simple low tables set up with a theme for kids to explore. Usually the materials laid out are meant for as much independent discovery and exploration as possible. Magnets are fascinating science and kids love to play with them! Preschool science activities for kids make great play ideas too!

Exploring Magnets With Preschoolers

DISCOVERY TABLES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

I have been trying to give my son the opportunity to make discoveries for himself without becoming frustrated or disinterested by activities that are too difficult. As his interests and skills increase so will the level of play chosen for the table. Each table is only available for as long as he is interested!

A science center or discovery table for young kids is an excellent way for kids to investigate, observe, and explore their own interests and at their own pace. Theses kinds of centers or tables are usually filled with kid friendly materials that don’t need constant adult supervision.

A science center may have either a general theme or a specific theme depending upon the current season, interests, or lesson plans! Usually kids are allowed to explore what interests them and to observe and experiment without adult led activities. For example; dinosaurs, 5 senses, rainbows, nature, farms and more!

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PRESCHOOL MAGNETS

What are magnets? Magnets are rocks or metals that create an invisible field around themselves. This field attracts other magnets and certain metals.  Kids will discover a magnetic field is concentrated around the ends of magnets which are called poles.

Explore magnets with preschoolers with some of the following simple magnet activities.

MAGNET SENSORY BIN

Include a simple sensory bin filled with colored rice, magnetic objects (2nd hand magnet kit), and a magnetic wand for finding all the treasures. I gave him a separate bucket to fill with what he found!  Pipe cleaners and paper clips are easy additions!

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MAGNETIC CONTAINER

Take a simple plastic container and fill it with cut up pipe cleaner pieces. See how you can move them around with the wand? Can you pull one up to the top from outside the container?

WHAT’S MAGNETIC AND WHAT’S NOT

This is a simple tray to make observations about what is magnetic with common objects from around the house or the classroom. Great for discussion on why or why not something is magnetic.

MAGNETS AND WATER

Fill a tall vase with water and add a paper clip to it. Use the magnetic  wand to pull it out of the water. He thought this was so cool. Maybe his favorite!

He enjoyed using the bar magnet to test the objects and was excited to show me what was magnetic or to tell me what didn’t stick. I started noticing the bar magnet stuck around the house as well. He also used the wand to explore the bin quite a bit, seeing how many items he could pick up with it at one time!

MAGNETIC FISH

I also made this magnetic fishing game by simply cutting out fish and placing a paper clip on each one. He used a pretend fishing rod from a puzzle to go fishing. I also included magnetic discs for him to pick up.

MORE FUN MAGNET ACTIVITIES

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HOW TO SET UP PRESCHOOL MAGNET ACTIVITIES

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