Learn Letters and Pre-Writing Patterns with Magnets!

Magnets are so fascinating for kids! How do they work? What makes them attract or repel something?

Using the fascination children have with magnets ... I created a fun way to learn pre-writing patterns and learn letters too!

What do you need?
* two-sided plastic frame (I use this frame from IKEA  and took out one of the plastic sheets)
* magnets
* whiteboard markers (and eraser)
* felt/glue (optional)

The felt and glue are optional.  I added a small piece of felt to my magnets to prevent scratching the plastic frame.

What do you need to do?

1. Draw a pattern, shape or a letter on the plastic frame.  You can ask your child to do the drawing or if you are teaching them a specific pattern, shape or letter; you might want to draw this yourself!
2. Attach the magnet to the frame (place a part on each side of the frame).
3. Have your child trace the pattern, shape or letter with the magnet!
4. Rub it out and try a different shape or letter!

I hope you enjoy this video showing you what you need and what you need to do to learn pre-writing patterns and letters with magnets!

Note: The last time I included a video in my blog post, my loyal newsletter subscribers couldn't see it!  Please also find the video available on You Tube at this link !

Why I love this activity!

This activity has so many great benefits!
* Pincer grasp - Encourage your child to hold the magnet between their thumb and index finger.
* Separation of the two sides of the hand - Encourage your child to tuck away their 3rd, 4th and 5th fingers.
* Wrist Extension - As this frame is vertical; your child's hand will naturally be placed in a position of wrist extension.
* Bilateral coordination - Encourage your child to use their dominant hand to hold and move the magnet, whilst using the non-dominant hand to hold the frame.
* Visual Tracking - Your child should naturally watch the magnet as it traces the pattern, shape or letter.  If they can't track visually - check out my variation below!
* Shape and letter formation - Use this activity to teach pattern, shape and letter formation as your child will "feel" their hand moving in space as each letter is formed (spatial awareness).  This learning through movement is called "kinesthetic" learning.  Children can also learn the planning involved with forming patterns, letters and shapes.  You may want to add a verbal element so that your child may repeat this to help with understanding the steps involved.  The verbal prompt may also help them to plan when they form these patterns, shapes and letters on their own.

The development of these skills are so important for handwriting on paper! This activity provides an excellent way to build "handwriting" skills without having your child "just write" for practice.  It provides multi-sensory learning, is "novel" and fun! It is really quick to set up (once you gather your supplies). It is also transportable ... perfect for the mobile therapist! 

Variations

1. You could assist your child by holding a magnet on one side of the frame whilst they hold another magnet on the other side of the frame.  Guide your child along the pattern so that they can watch how the magnets stay together.  This will help them with visual tracking, eye-hand coordination and motor planning.
2. You can have your child use both hands to hold magnets on either side of the frame.  This will work on bilateral coordination skills.

For more activities to promote the development of fine motor skills; see this page with a list of my articles on this subject!

Does your child love magnets? Do you have an IKEA nearby?  I would love to hear if you make any further variations to this activity idea!

CindyChuan is a registered Occupational Therapist practising in Sydney Australia.  She has two young children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential; finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun.  She is also addicted to making printables!

Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT

Catch up all the latest blog articles at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

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