Ready to add some holiday cheer and jingle bell joy into your playtime? The Christmas season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by tapping into your child’s imagination? Kids of all ages will love these simple Magnetic Tile Jingle Bell activities. It’s so much fun that we bring it out all season long and it always seems to amaze kids the first time they see it!
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Ways To Use Jingle Bells With Magnetic Tiles
Jingle Bell Magnetic Tile Wreath
With just one square magnetic tile and a handful of bells, you can make a wreath like the one in this photo.
Experiment with making wreaths of different sizes depending on how many bells you have. If you have bells that are multiple colors, you can create different patterns in your wreath.
Jingle Bell Magnetic Tile 3D Christmas Tree
Use one square magnetic tile as the base and four large isosceles triangles to make a 3D Christmas tree-shaped object. Then use metal jingle bells as ‘ornaments’ and stick them to the tree on different magnetic blocks.
You can set up a little forest and decorate them all differently or the same. You can also use a triangle as a base and make 3-sided ‘trees’ instead of 4-sided ones.
Jingle Bell Magnetic Tile Box
Make a box out of your square magnetic tiles. One as the base and four for the walls. You can fill your magnetic box with bells and see how they act. Do they stick to the sides both inside and out?
You can also experiment by putting a ‘lid’ on your box with one extra tile and closing the bells in. Squish the box and see what happens! Or use extra-large magnetic tile squares if you have them for a variation on this play activity.
Magnetic Tile Jingle Bell Hideaways
Use equilateral triangles to make little hideaways for your jingle bells. You can trap them inside the pyramids and shake them around, play hide and seek with them or add them to your magnetic tile builds in other ways.
Jingle Bell Magnetic Tile 2D Christmas Tree
Instead of a 3D Christmas tree shape, make a flat version by laying your magnetic tiles down on a countertop or floor in the shape of a Christmas tree. You can get as big and ornate as you want or keep it simple with just a few green triangles.
Once you have a flat tree shape, experiment by decorating it with different sizes and colors of bells. Where do they stick and why? You can chat with your kids as you play and learn more about how magnets work.
Magnetic Tile Jingle Bell Road Block
If you have a magnetic tile set that comes with roadway pieces you can set them up and add jingle bells to block the path of your cars. If you have some small construction vehicles, they can scoop bells and dump them in a Christmas construction site. You can also get a construction vehicle crane set from the Magna-Tiles brand as you see in these photos.
Variation Ideas
Use paper clips or other small magnetic items in addition to your jingle bells for even more fun. Try using magnetic rods or a ‘magnetic wand’ to guide your jingle bells through cardboard tubes or empty water bottles for another Christmas STEM activity.
For young children who are just starting to learn about magnetism and magnetic objects, pair this activity with a quick introduction about what sorts of items are magnetic. You can compare how and why pom poms don’t stick to the tiles but jingle bells do.
For older kids, work on shape recognition by putting your tiles on a flat surface and arranging them in different ways to build more Christmas shapes.
Add your magnetic tiles to a Jingle Bell Sensory Bin; it’s the perfect opportunity to extend your playtime.
Benefits of Magnetic Tile & Jingle Bell Play
Entertainment and Joy:
Festive Fun: Incorporating jingle bells into magnetic tile play adds a festive element, making the activities even more fun and festive.
Multi-Sensory Experience: The combination of visual, auditory, and tactile elements creates a multi-sensory play experience that children love.
Cognitive Development:
Problem Solving: Designing different structures and experimenting with the placement of bells encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Pattern Recognition: Creating various patterns when making wreaths and trees fosters pattern recognition abilities in children.
Fine Motor Skills:
Precise Manipulation: Placing jingle bells on magnetic tiles requires careful handling, enhancing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Construction Skills: Building 3D structures and boxes with magnetic tiles promotes spatial awareness and construction skills.
Creativity and Imagination:
Open-Ended Play: Magnetic tile activities allow for open-ended play, sparking creativity as children envision and create their own festive designs.
Decorative Expression: Decorating trees and wreaths with different patterns and colors of bells encourages imaginative expression.
Scientific Exploration:
Understanding Magnetism: Observing how jingle bells interact with magnetic tiles provides an opportunity for hands-on learning about magnetism.
Trial and Error: Experimenting with various arrangements and structures fosters a scientific mindset through trial and error.
Sensory Stimulation:
Auditory Stimulation: The sound of jingle bells adds a sensory element to play, engaging auditory senses and making the experience more immersive.
Tactile Exploration: Handling magnetic tiles and bells provides tactile stimulation, enhancing sensory exploration.
Safety Reminders
Let’s ensure our Jingle Bell Magnetic Tile adventure is not just festive but safe too! Keep a close eye on the little builders, and make sure the materials are just right for their age. Opt for jingle bells that are just the right size – big enough to tinkle but not small enough to pose a choking hazard. Make sure this activity is age appropriate for your specific child.
Give your magnetic tiles a quick once-over. Ensure they are in top-notch condition, free from sharp edges, and their magnets are secure inside.
Final Thoughts Magnetic Tile Jingle Bell Ideas
These fun activities should add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your playtime. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or care-giver, these simple yet entertaining magnetic tile adventures are the perfect addition to your holiday play.
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more Christmas activities that promise to keep the festive spirit alive in your home. From our jingling creations to yours, may your days be filled with joy and your holiday season be brimming with unforgettable moments. Happy crafting and here’s to a season of endless fun activities!
