tuff tray

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Children love to explore magnets, and setting up this magnetic science tuff tray is an easy way to offer a variety of magnets and accessories for them to investigate. The tray allows little learners to get in on a low-maintenance, hands-on, intriguing science activity.

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Supplies To Collect

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Look for magnets of all kinds and in all places when setting up a magnet-themed tuff tray. Here’s what’s in my tray:

number and shape magnets
magnetic alphabet letter tiles
ball magnets
square magnets
horseshoe magnets
wand magnets
fridge magnets
magnetic tic tac toe game pieces
stick and ball magnet toy
magnetic gears
metal hearts
recycled juice can lids
baskets
round cake pan
cookie pans
easel display stands

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The Magnetic Science Tuff Tray

This magnetic tuff tray is filled with different kinds of magnets for early learners to explore. Aside from magnets purchased from learning supply stores, it includes unexpected items such as game pieces and fridge magnets.

A simple magnet science active world tuff tray for early learners to explore. An easy set up and clean up activity center.

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The number and shape magnets were borrowed from a game. They provide opportunities for counting and number and shape recognition.

The magnetic alphabet letter tiles give young children a chance to name letters, say letter sounds, and spell names and other words.

Set up this simple magnet exploration tuff tray in minutes to offer your little learners a hands-on magnet science activity to explore.

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Little learners love spinning objects, which makes the magnetic gears an excellent fit.

Cookie pans set in art stands allow for vertical surfaces to work on.

Introducing magnets such as horseshoe and bar magnets on different days encourages continued interest in the center.

It is a good idea to check local dollar stores for supplies to add. My fridge magnets and magnetic tic tac toe pieces were purchased at dollar stores.

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After early learners have had a chance to explore the tray, it will likely look something like the one below.

A fun magnet tuff tray to offer your little learners a hands-on magnet science activity to explore. Set up and cleanup for this activity is super easy.

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Many of the supplies for this magnetic science tuff tray are arranged in baskets. It is a terrific sorting and classifying activity to have the little learners arrange supplies back into the storage containers when they are finished exploring the tray.

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Magnet Science Tuff Tray Opportunities For Learning

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There are many opportunities for learning in this magnet science tuff tray. Aside from the educational benefits mentioned above, early learners can

make and test predictions
develop critical thinking
learn about magnetic poles
investigate magnetic strength
explore balance and weight
sort items into magnetic and non-magnetic categories
create unique structures
enhance fine motor control when handling supplies

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Variations Of This Magnetic Tuff Tray

For additional learning through play with magnets, fill a storage bin with a base such as rice, beans, or chickpeas and add magnetic accessories. Hiding items in the sensory base makes for an exciting search-and-find activity.

And you can include non-magnetic items for further exploration.

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An inviting, snowy pioneer Christmas village tuff tray filled with people participating in outdoor winter activities.

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This Christmas Village tuff tray is filled with people figurines participating in outdoor activities. It’s the perfect winter play invitation to include in holiday celebrations.

A tuff tray is a sturdy, portable tray that can be used on a table, on the floor, or outside on the ground. Although it stores easily, it can also be set on a stand. I recently purchased a tuff tray online at Education Station, and love using it for this snowy activity.

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Supplies To Collect

A winter-themed pioneer village tuff tray filled with people participating in outdoor winter activities during the Christmas season.

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For the holiday tuff tray set up, gather the following:

wooden train tracks and train
wooden vehicles
silver and white placemats
tin foil disposable lid
snowflake window cling sheet
gem snowflakes
Christmas village-themed gift boxes
winter-themed people and animal figurines
miniature village signpost, mailbox, light post, fence, bench, and tree props

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Setting Up The Christmas Village Tuff Tray

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Place a large, round silver placemat in the center of the tray to represent a skating rink. Or add a circle cut from tin foil.

Lay wooden train tracks around the circular placemat.

Set in another snowy or icy area by trimming a white or silver rectangular placemat into a curved shape.

Add a round tin foil or white cardstock disposable container lid to suggest a third outdoor play space.

Then arrange the gift box buildings around the edge of the tray. These can easily be found at a dollar store.

Cut out large window cling snowflakes, leaving the backs on. Set them in open areas in the tray.

Next, put winter-themed people figurines and miniature village props on and around the “snow” and “ice.”

Generously sprinkle in gem snowflakes.

Finally, set a wooden train on the track. Or add community helper vehicles.

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Your little learners will be excited to investigate this Christmas Village tuff tray. If some of the figurines and props you choose to use are breakable, they need to be used carefully by little ones. The holiday play invitation must be supervised by an adult at all times!

This tuff tray setup is non-messy, so can easily be added to a session where there are ample other activity choices.

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