Learning Through Play with Magnetic Letters

Liam has recently learned to write his name which has given him a great enthusiasm to learn more.

While he wants to learn I think I better run with it. So I purchased two packets of magnetic letters. Liam was very excited when they arrived. He wanted to play with them right away.

We have been letting him “play” with these letters every day for the last week. Myself or one of the older kids have been sitting with him so he can ask us what the letters are. We also spell out words that he has asked for and he gets the letters and then puts them in order.

He now recognises most of his letters and sounds to go along with them. This simple technique works a treat he just thinks he is playing but he is actually learning.

He can now spell Liam, Logan, Dad and mum without any help at all. While he is happy spelling out words and finding sounds using his magnetic Letters I will let him “play” with his magnetic letters whenever he wants to. 

(this post was written in 2020 for the old website )

The benefits of Learning Through Play

 Through play and the use of educational toys children can learn many different skills these include:

• Problem solving and cause and effect
• Learning to play with other children through sharing, conflict resolution and compromise
• The development of fine and gross motor skills
• Discovering their independence and positive self-esteem
• Nurturing their creativity and imagination
• Promotes physical Fitness
• Play improves Literacy

What does Learning Through Play Mean

Learning through play just describes how a child can learn to make sense of the world around them by playing.

To a child, play is their work. They are learning all sorts of things that will help them in the future. An example is playing with playdough. Rolling out the dough and cutting shapes with them will help them when it’s time to make biscuits. You roll out the dough and cut the shapes out to cook.