DIY Toddler Posting Activity with Repurposed Formula Tins and Magnetic Tiles
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In this article, we are going to discuss how to turn some empty formula tins into a fun posting activity for your toddler by teaming them with magnetic tiles.
Keeping toddlers entertained and engaged while supporting their development doesn’t have to involve expensive toys or elaborate setups.
Sometimes, the simplest DIY activities can spark joy and teach valuable skills.
Today, we’re creating a fun and easy posting activity using repurposed formula tins and magnetic Connetix tiles.
Not only is this activity budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but it also encourages a variety of developmental skills
DIY Toddler Posting Activity with Repurposed Formula Tins and Magnetic Tiles
Posting activities are those where toddlers insert objects into slots, holes, or containers.
They are simple yet incredibly effective in supporting early childhood development and toddlers love them.
These activities are a favorite among parents and educators because they offer countless opportunities for learning while keeping little hands and minds busy.
What you need to make Magnetic Tile Formula Tin Posting Activity
- Empty formula tins with lids (cleaned thoroughly)
- Magnetic Connetix tiles (or similar magnetic tiles)
- Scissors or a box cutter (for adult use only)
- Optional: Stickers, paint, or washi tape for decorating the tin
I wrapped our formula tins in white paper so they could be repurposed again after this activity.
This posting activity really is versatile.
While we love magnetic tiles and the huge array of open-ended play opportunities they offer, you can use alternative materials such as
- jar lids
- cardboard cutouts from cereal boxes
- wooden coins
- toilet tubes cut into quarters
How to make magnetic tile formula tin posting activity
Prepare the Tin
Clean the formula tin thoroughly to remove any residue or labels.
Using scissors or a box cutter, carefully cut a slot in the tin’s lid.
The slot should be slightly larger than the width of the tiles so they can slide through easily.
Ensure there are no sharp edges by sanding or covering the edges with painter’s tape if necessary.
Decorate the Tin (Optional)
Add stickers, paint, or colourful tape to the outside of the tin to make it visually appealing for your toddler. If you like, label the tin with your child’s name or encourage them to decorate it themselves!
Introduce the Activity
- Show your toddler how to hold the tile and post it through the slot. You can narrate the process, saying something like, “Let’s find the red square and put it inside the tin!”
- Encourage them to try on their own. It’s okay if they’re unsure at first—demonstration and repetition will help.
Add a Magnetic Twist
If your formula tin is metallic, show your toddler how the magnetic tiles stick to the sides. This adds an extra layer of exploration and fun!
Dump and Repeat
Once the tiles are inside the tin, open the lid and let your toddler dump them out. They’ll love the sound and motion, and it gives them a fresh start to post all over again.
Skills Practised in this Activity
This activity supports your toddler’s growth in several key areas:
1. Enhances Fine Motor Skills
Posting requires toddlers to use precise finger movements to manipulate objects, developing their fine motor skills.
Tasks like grasping, pinching, and aligning objects strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, laying the foundation for future skills such as writing, drawing, and buttoning clothes.
2. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is critical for many day-to-day activities.
In a posting activity, toddlers learn to visually assess where the object goes and guide their hands to the right spot.
This repetitive process helps refine their coordination between what they see and how their hands respond, an essential skill for tasks like feeding, building, and even playing sports as they grow.
3. Promotes Problem-Solving Skills
When engaging in a posting activity, toddlers are encouraged to experiment and figure out how to make objects fit.
They might rotate a piece, try different angles, or test various approaches.
This trial-and-error process nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a mindset of curiosity and resilience.
4. Fosters Concentration and Focus
Toddlers naturally have short attention spans, but activities like posting can help extend their ability to concentrate.
The repetitive, goal-oriented nature of the activity encourages focus and perseverance, skills that are vital for later academic and personal success.
5. Introduces Cause and Effect
Posting activities provide a clear and satisfying demonstration of cause and effect. When a toddler drops an object into a slot, they see it disappear and hear it land.
This teaches them that their actions lead to specific outcomes, a key concept for understanding the world around them.
6. Encourages Spatial Awareness
Fitting objects into slots or containers helps toddlers develop an understanding of spatial relationships, such as size, shape, and orientation.
These concepts are foundational for later skills like puzzles, building with blocks, and even mathematics.
7. Supports Early Cognitive Development
Through posting activities, toddlers practice sorting, categorizing, and recognizing patterns.
For example, they might group objects by color or size or notice that certain shapes only fit specific slots.
These cognitive processes are essential for developing reasoning and logical thinking.
8. Builds Independence and Confidence
As toddlers master the skill of posting, they experience a sense of accomplishment and autonomy.
Completing a task—like sliding a tile into a tin or fitting a shape into a sorter—boosts their confidence and encourages them to explore new challenges.
9. Encourages Language Development
Posting activities are excellent opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage in language-rich interactions.
Naming colors, shapes, and actions (“Let’s post the blue square!”) helps expand a toddler’s vocabulary and understanding of descriptive words, spatial terms, and action verbs.
10. Easy to Adapt and Scale
One of the best things about posting activities is how adaptable they are to different skill levels and interests.
For younger toddlers, you can use larger, simpler objects, while older toddlers can be challenged with smaller items, shape sorters, or even thematic tasks (e.g., posting “mail” into a pretend mailbox).
Tips for Success
- Start Simple: Begin with larger tiles and fewer colours to avoid overwhelming your toddler. Gradually introduce smaller or differently shaped tiles as they get the hang of it.
- Supervise Closely: Always supervise your child while playing, especially if you’re using tools to modify materials.
- Encourage Independence: Allow your toddler to explore the activity at their own pace. If they use the materials in an unexpected way, that’s okay—it’s all part of learning!
Why This Activity is a Winner
This simple DIY is a fantastic example of turning everyday items into purposeful play.
It’s compact, portable, and can be adapted as your child grows.
Beyond the developmental benefits, it’s also a wonderful way to introduce eco-friendly practices by repurposing old materials.
So, grab an empty formula tin, and some tiles, and get crafting.
You’ll love watching your toddler light up with excitement as they master new skills—one tile at a time!
Have you tried this activity or something similar? Share your experiences in the comments below!