Connrtix ·
10 Ways To Use Connetix With An Educational Twist
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They are so incredibly versatile! However, it’s easy to get stuck into a certain habit and build the same thing over and over again. It didn’t take long before I was over building garages and rockets. If you’re in need of some inspo, and, like me, love adding a component of learning through play read on: Here is my top 10 games and activities with an educational twist.
1) Play a number (or letter) board game.
This activity came about when we were playing sequence for kids. It’s a super easy set up. Number a set of squares from 1-6.(or 12 if you choose to use two dice) Then give each player a set of tiles in their own colour. Player 1 rolls the dice and covers one of the numbers with his tile. The turn now goes to player 2. Whoever ends up with 4 in a row first is the winner.
This game is very quick to set up and can be adjusted in so many ways. You can use letters, sight words, add the time tables etc.
2) Write garage door words.
Connetix created a fabulous resource for all letter and number lovers. Their letter cards even come in multiple languages. We like to spell out a word using the letter cards and stick them to the garage door. It’s a pretty cool activity to write your spelling words, or your own name in such big letters.
3) Create a cut and sort machine.
For this set up you need a paper towel roll and some paper cut up in long strips. Add number, letters shapes or colours to the strips in a random order. Build two towers using some ball run tiles (with the round cut-out) on top. Slide the cardboard roll in with the paper strips wound around it. Create the second part of the ‘machine’ to guide the strips. Let your child cut the strips and sort them depending on what is on them.
4) Make your own addition machine.
Create a simple ball run with the split piece. Set it up in a way where left and right come together at the bottom. Add various numbers on tiles with chalk markers, whiteboard markers or Kitpas crayons. Place a tile on either end of the tower. Let your child add the correct number of marbles in each side. Now count the total and add the tile with the right answer.
5) Practise vocab through roll play (dollhouse).
Imaginative or role play isn’t always seen as educational. But it is such an important and valuable way to increase vocabulary. The baseplates are a fantastic resource to create a custom dollhouse, fire brigade or farmhouse. By asking some guided questions you can actively increase your child’s vocab through play. “What is happening here? This little boy seems involved in some mischief!” Or; “Which car is going to be able to do the job? It’s such a conundrum!”.
6) Create a letter maze.
This activity is great to practise letter and name recognition. (Or consolidate their sight words). Create a maze on a baseplate or baking tray, and add the letters of their name on the bottom. Then add balls or discs with the same letters to the maze and find the way to the matching letter.
7) Create your own memory game.
This one is a lovely activity to combine craft with your tiles. First step is to create 10 little drawings. They need to fit inside the window tile. Once these are done copy them so you have two identical drawings. Cut them up and add a drawing between a square tile and window tile. Once you have 2×10 tiles turn them all over and try and find the matching sets.
8) Complete a shape puzzle.
Another one that can be adjusted in any way you like! Place a large piece of paper down. Place a 2d shape on top and trace the shape of the tiles. Once done, remove all the tiles so you only see the outline of the tiles. Can they finish the puzzle?
9) Find the number (yes/no to 100).
This is a very loved activity in my class. It’s a great one for slightly older children. Create a 100 board by placing them in a 10×10 square and writing the numbers on the tiles. One person pics a number, the others are trying to guess the number by asking yes/no questions. “Is it an even number? Is it higher than 70? Does it have a 6 in it?” They wipe out the numbers that are incorrect until there is only one number left. Who can guess the number in the least amount of turn?
10) Measure yourself in tiles.
Did you know that the corners of most walls have a metal strip in it? Your Connetix tiles will stick to it. It’s such a wonderful way to measure the height of everyone in the family. How many tiles tall are you? And dad? What is the difference? How much taller is dad?
I love to hear what you think of our ways to play with Connetix! Do you have another idea we should try? Please let us know!
Lisa is a qualified teacher working at a school for students with additional needs. She is the mama of a wonderful and wild toddler and enjoys setting up open-ended educational play activities. You can follow her son and their adventures on Instagram at life.with.moon.and.co
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