Let the play tray craft series continue!
Today I decided that I would create a magnetic matching play tray. I made this play tray in a day using paint and
store bought magnets, but you could get even craftier and make your own magnets
to use with this. My son is at the age where he is working on letter, shape,
and number recognition. So I decided to make a matching play tray for him to
play with where he would also be working on recognizing and matching his
letters… I think I will do another soon with shapes and numbers.
What you need:
97¢ cookie sheet from Walmart
1/4 cup paint {I used latex paint} for the background
1 teaspoon of acrylic paint {I used the 97¢ acrylic paint at
Walmart in the craft aisle}
paint brushes/sponge
Magnets
Pen
How to Make It:
Using the latex paint, paint the cookie sheet. Give it a good
coating of paint and then set aside to dry.
Once the paint is dry take the magnets you want to use and place
them where you want them on the painted cookie sheet.
Trace around the magnets with a pen.
Remove the magnets and using a paint brush paint in the shape
you just traced with the acrylic paint. Set aside and let dry.
Once all of the paint is dry let the kiddos go letter/shape/number
matching crazy!
I wanted to make a magnetic matching play tray specifically for
car rides. I have quite a few trips planned coming up where we will be in the
car for a couple hours and I want the kiddos to be able to entertain themselves
without destroying the minivan.
This is an educational craft that my children really enjoy. When
William finished matching up the letters he was able to take out other magnets
and use them on his play tray. He really liked this tray and has already asked
if we can take it with us on our upcoming trip to grandma and grandpa’s house.
For the car ride I plan on taping a Ziploc baggie onto the back to store the
magnets when they are not in use.
This DIY Magnetic tray can easily be customized to whatever you
happen to be working on; be it shapes, colors, letters, numbers, etcetera…
What kind of educational
toys do you like to use with your children?
