Toddler Toys: Magnetic Whiteboard Easels

Description

Toddler Toys: Kids Art Easels make a wonderful toy for drawing, art, magnetic letters and displaying kid's art projects, charts and calendars. Art supplies can be stored and dry erase boards offer versatility. This was one of the best toys we have ever purchased. We used it in party games and even posting instructions when we play board games or games like Mah Jongg which requires special scoring and recognition of symbols.

Activities

magnetic easel and white board
DRAWINGChalk is fun to draw on and easy for children to erase. Small pieces need to be kept out of young toddlers reach. I store in a container and used only when children could be monitored.

DRY ERASE BOARDDry Erase Pens provide vivid color, however most are not washable so you need a smock or old t-shirt. Crayola Dry Erase Crayons are a great alternative that comes with a sharpener in the box and a mitt to rub off the board. Young toddlers will need help wiping off the crayons with the mitt but we found that a baby wipe will clean it right off very easily and no residue.

DISPLAYArtwork or place to hang art to dry. Display a calendar or chart.

#1 USE: Magnetic Board for Letters and other Magnets My children use the board routinely since they received it. They love to put pictures they drew up with magnets and even spell words. We also learned that magnets do not stick on the front of stainless steel refrigerators

Helpful Features

  • Having two children able to stand side by side or on either side of the easel is a plus.
  • The white magnetic background makes magnets stand out visually.
  • It comes with clips which makes this a great way to pin work they have done, great for holding up recipes for cooking, number and alphabet charts, cards with their names on it.

Things to Consider

  • Storage and Mobility...Can it fold up and be stored? Can I carry it up and down the stairs?
  • While tabletop easels take up less room space it does take up table space. You also would want to place it on a low table for easier monitoring.
  • The tray makes a handy place for storing items as well as keeping drips off the floor when painting.
  • How sturdy is it? Is it heavy enough NOT to push over easily?
  • Examine the hinges so that little fingers won't get pinched easily.
  • How easy is it to fold up to store if needed.
Our photo shows an easel we purchased from Lakeshore. They have great products for the classroom and homeschooling. Below we found a Crayola easel which is a two sided easel has chalkboard on one side and a large clip to hold paper pad on other.

SAFETY

Consider an easel that is sturdy and heavy enough that is shouldn't tip or move during normal use. An easel that folds to store easily if needed is always a plus. Make sure hinges are secure so that only an adult can fold the easel up so there are no fingers accidentally being pinched. As you all know it takes but a second for children to think of creative ways to use toddler toys, so take time to place it in a safe location. Always check the most current recalls on all toddler toys that you select. Product materials and specifications can change over time. I have a direct link on the Toddler Toys Home Page.