Magnet Sort: A STEM activity for toddlers.
Friends, magnet sort has.it.all. It’s a 10. A total package. I’m considering marrying it.
Let’s just check the boxes for this one: science (check), math (check), fine motor skills (check). STEM for toddlers – can I get an amen?! And add on top of it a concentrating, happy, learning toddler who was totally hooked into this learning activity.
I love sorting activities and I really love when I can do a non-color sorting activity. I have nothing against sorting by color, but I feel like that type of sorting gets really played out with the toddler crowd. It’s a fail safe. It’s the fall back. And I don’t want Sam to walk away from toddler-hood thinking sorting is only a color thing. Sorting is so much more!
Sorting is a math skill. It’s classifying data into set and making decisions based on information. Sorting is a huge skill and one that toddlers can grasp.
How to set up a Magnet Sort.
Materials:
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Hold the phone – a toddler working with a magnet? Yep, it’s super fun and we’ve been doing it for months. I introduced Sam to magnets when he was just 21 months old. We’ve worked with them on and off since then and even posted a magnet activity once before: magnet grab. We did that one when Sam was just about two years old. So the concept of magnets and magnetic isn’t new to Sam.
Remember that magnets are very dangerous if swallowed. Always supervise your toddler when using magnets.
I taped out a sorting space on the floor because it’s more fun to sort into a specific area than just into random piles. Trust me – using these taped off squares is a great toddler gimmick plus it defines the learning space and makes the activity seem more legit.
Sam took the magnet, held it to the items, and determined if they were magnetic or not. Then he’d sort the item accordingly. He loved this. I can’t even begin to explain how much he loves working with magnets.
Once the activity was over, Sam kept on testing items around the room, playing “magnetic or not magnetic”.
Trust me – this activity is a good one. Magnets are a sure fire win around here so this was a two thumbs up STEM activity.
Would your toddler enjoy playing a Magnet Sort?
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
I love this idea! It sounds so fun, and it looks so easy! Thanks for the inspiration!