If you are in need of a simple, low-prep activity with several variations for play, then magnetic tile peekaboo is the perfect activity.
So simple to set up and surprisingly creates a very engaging activity for a young toddler. If they like the one way you set it up, then there are several ways you can modify to continue their interest.
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Photo Peekaboo
The first way we played was with one of our all time favorite things to play with…family pictures. If you also like to play with pictures be sure to check out my blog post “Playing with a 6-12 Month old Using Pictures.” That post is honestly great for any age that likes to play with pictures.
Using pictures of loved ones has been incorporated into our day wherever we can, especially since Covid restrictions. Not sure about you, but not being able to see family and friends, plus no baby play groups or play dates has me a little worried about Ruby’s social development. So, pictures for the win!
The Set up
The setup for this one is super easy, especially if you already have pictures printed out that are not currently being used.
I cut pictures of Mom, Dad, and cousins’ faces and taped them to the bottom of a muffin tin. Then I covered them with square magnet tiles.
I have been wanting magnetic tiles for a long time for all the fun play ideas, but they are so pricey so I just couldn’t justify the purchase. Then we were doing some shopping at Sam’s Club (a local warehouse store) and I saw a pack of 60 that looked just as good as the more expensive brands. Looked at the price of $20 and thought what a deal. So, that is how we now have some Tytan Tiles.
The Play
Ruby enjoyed this much more than I anticipated. I expected her to pull off all the blocks and be done with it. I think since the pictures added so much interest and the blocks were a challenge for her to get off, it engaged her for quite some time.
She would pull of the blocks, point to the pictures, then try to put the blocks back on. She did this several times.
The Learning
This was a great fine motor activity. Ruby (13 months) had to use her hand and finger muscles and coordination to lift the magnetic tiles off of the muffin tin. It worked those fine motor skills a little differently because of the wide grip needed to get the magnetic tiles off.
This was also great for social development and language. Recognizing familiar faces is important for social skills. She is even beginning to name some of those faces. Of course “Daddy” is top on that list. With repeated exposure, Ruby is beginning to learn the names and connect them with the faces of friends and family members. Hopefully that will help her feel less uneasy when seeing these people in person.
Snack time Peekaboo
The other way we played was with a hidden snack. We love edible play! If your little one also puts EVERYTHING in their mouth then you might enjoy some edible sensory play. I put together an incredible list with some other very creative mamas so be sure to check out “Edible Sensory Play” to get lots of ideas.
The Set up
The set up for this one was even easier. Just get some small snacks and place one or two pieces in each part of the muffin tin. Then cover with magnetic tiles. We used some different shaped magnetic pieces for this one. Also, I had Ruby’s water sippy cup nearby, but while she was playing she put her cup inside one of the muffin spots and I thought that was a brilliant idea for the set up.
The Play
I call this play, but it was more of a fun way to eat a snack than play. We don’t always follow the rule “Don’t play with your food” in this household.
Ruby quickly uncovered the snacks and popped them in her mouth. It reminded me of those special bowls they have for dogs that eat too fast to slow them down.
She was now familiar with taking the magnetic tiles off, so she was much quicker. I’m glad I threw some rectangular pieces on for a new challenge.
Once her mouth was full, she started putting the magnetic tiles back on.
The Learning
This variation of the activity also worked her fine motor skills. She needed two different grasps: the wide grasp to remove the square tiles and the pincer grasp to pick up the small pieces of snacks.
Fine motor is a crucial prewriting skill. Before children learn to write and draw they must have lots of exposure to fun activities like these to strengthen those muscles and develop the coordination to appropriately hold and use a writing utensil. This is what it means to learn through play.
Other Ways to Play
There are so many variations to this game. If you do not have magnetic tiles you could also use sticky notes or tape on fabric, paper, or cardboard to cover the tin holes.
You can hide small figurines, pom poms, blocks, nature items, or other loose parts.
Let me know how else you would play in the comments below. Also, be sure to subscribe to stay updated and receive a FREE list of over 100 loose part ideas.
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