Magnet Mania

Today the children were able to explore a new concept: magnets.  In the sensory table I placed rice along with magnets, magnetic balls, magnetic chips, colored paperclips, and magnetic numbers and letters.  This playtime choice was a real hit.  The children loved to see how strong the magnets were.

At Mrs. Severson's center the children were each given a jar with a set of objects in it.  The children had to use their magnets to see if the object would repel or attract.  After testing each object they recorded their findings by filling in a happy or sad face.  Lastly, then went around the room and experimented with other objects that they were curious about.

At one of the independent centers the children were given a set of magnetic letters, a cookie sheet, and a variety of grids.  On some of the grids there were sets of letters, and on the other grids there pictures of objects.  They children used their magnetic letters to match the ones on the grids, or determine the beginning sound of the picture they saw.