Magnetic building block sets are so much fun but they can be really expensive! Don't fret because we have a very simple diy version of a magnetic building set using items destined for the recycling bin. The building set gives your kids lots of opportunity to develop their budding engineering skills to construct buildings or design robot creatures.
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How to Make a Magnetic Building Set
Feel free to adapt these instructions by using different materials, adding in more magnets or increasing the number of building blocks you add to the set.
Please note: a responsible adult must supervise when children are using magnetic materials. Magnets are harmful if ingested. NEVER allow children under age 4, and any child who still mouths objects to play with magnets unsupervised.
What you need
Magnets; or self-adhesive magnets
Metal cans, clean and free of any sharp edges
Caps and lids, either plastic or metal, clean and free of any sharp edges
Optional: telescoping magnet pick-up tool
Note: you don't need the glue if you are using good quality, self-adhesive magnets.
Instructions
An adult should make the building set, or closely supervise older children.
If necessary, wash and dry cans and lids.
Glue magnets to tops of the lids and caps.
Glue some magnets to the cans in various places. Although you don't technically need to glue the magnets to the cans, it is a good idea for safety purposes.
You can also place magnets on the inside of the can. If the magnet is strong enough, two cans will attach together "magically."
That's it! Make as many "blocks" as you want and get creative with what types of materials you use. We also used little metal tart pans.
Magnetic Building Set Playtime
My son enjoyed using his telescoping magnet pick-up tool to build towers with his cans. He would pick up one can with the wand and place it on top of another. This is a great activity because it requires focus, patience, and coordination of gross and fine motor skills!
Other children may enjoy using the building set to create creatures or robot-like structures.
Truly, the only limit to how they want to use the magnetic building set is their imagination!
Remember: ALWAYS supervise kids playing with magnets and never give them to children 3 and under or who are at risk of putting them in their mouths.
Joyce says
That does look like fun! I <3 magnets.
Raising a Happy Child says
Very neat idea, especially if nobody in your house is paranoid about magnets being close to gazillion of electronic gadgets.
Our Side of the Mountain says
I passed the Sunshine Award onto you...
MaryAnne says
That last photo looks like tons of fun! My kids would enjoy these "blocks" =)
Bethany says
What a great idea!
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
Cute idea! I am your newest follower! I'd love for you to follow me back, if you want to. I'd also love for you to come link up at TGIF Linky Party - http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties or enter to get one of my first ever guest posts that I'm offering up during the month of December.
Beth =-)
Katie says
This idea is adorable. I love Teach Preschool too! I'm a new follower and I'd love for you to stop by and share this (or another great activity) at my new Thrifty Thursday Linky Party this Thursday!
http://www.playingwithwords365.com/
Katie
Jenny says
This is such a cool idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Dropped by from Link & Learn
Jacquie@KCEdventures says
Very creative! Love the addition of the telescopic wand too (I want one!) Thanks for linking up at Discover & Explore this week 🙂
Shaunna @ Fantastic Fun and Learning says
I could see my girls playing with this set over and over again. Thanks so much for sharing at Discover & Explore. I'm featuring you today. http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/invitations-to-create-for-little-engineers.html
jackie says
I love this idea, and I think the hooligans would love it too! Pinning this one, and adding it to our to-do list.
Jacquie@KCEdventures says
Thanks again for linking up at Discover & Explore - we're featuring you this week: http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/materials-for-building-kids-and-construction
Tia says
What do you do about the sharp edges on the cans?
Erica MomandKiddo says
We have a can opener that works horizontally so there is no sharp edge. But you could also sand down a sharp edge or cover it with duct tape.