After School
At S&S Worldwide, we believe crafting can be both a creative outlet and an enriching sensory experience too. We’re excited to share this sensory magnet craft activity using our Color Me Be Kind Magnet. Your group can decorate the magnet with different craft trims and materials that have different textures, making it a fun and interactive project. This activity not only engages the senses while crafting, but the finished project also provides sensory stimulation once it is complete.
This craft project combines creativity, sensory engagement, and the message of kindness, making it perfect for schools, afterschool programs, camps, and more.
About Our Be Kind Magnet
Our Color Me Be Kind Magnet is a blank white magnet in the shape of the words “Be Kind,” offering a blank canvas ready for decoration. With the ability to customize it using various materials, this craft is an opportunity to engage participants of all ages in hands-on creativity while promoting the essential value of kindness. Instead of coloring with markers, we added a more in depth sensory experience!
Materials and Sensory Benefits
We took this craft to the next level by incorporating sensory materials that add a unique and tactile experience. Here’s a breakdown of the materials we used and their sensory benefits:
Pony Beads – Pony beads are small, smooth, and colorful, providing an excellent opportunity for fine motor skill development. Handling the beads and gluing them onto the magnet engages tactile and visual senses, and the vibrant colors can spark creativity. Plus, once the beads are in a row, they provide their own unique sensory experience. We decorated the B with these beads.
Chenille Stems – Chenille stems (also known as pipe cleaners) are soft and bendable, making them a joy to manipulate. Their fuzzy texture offers a unique tactile experience, and shaping them into patterns or outlines around the magnet adds a fun, sensory dimension. We placed these along the letter E.
Acrylic Paint – We used acrylic paint not just for color but to create raised sections on the magnet. As the paint dries, the dots forms a raised surface that can be felt, adding another layer of sensory engagement. Painting also allows participants to express themselves artistically, engaging their visual and fine motor skills. For the K, we painted it purple and then added white dots for the 3D effect.
Adhesive Foam – Adhesive foam is soft, pliable, and easy to cut into shapes, making it a versatile material. It’s satisfying to peel and stick the foam, which supports sensory development and hand-eye coordination. We used this foam for the letter I, cutting it into several triangular pieces.
Pom Poms – Soft and fluffy, pom poms are a delight to touch. Adding them to the magnet creates a playful, three-dimensional element that enhances the tactile experience. These were used for the letter N.
Felt – Felt is another soft material that’s easy to work with. It adds a cozy texture to the craft and can be used to create designs or cover sections of the magnet. Working with felt encourages sensory exploration and imaginative thinking. We used felt to cover the letter D for a nice, even soft surface.
Why This Craft Promotes Kindness
The “Be Kind” message at the heart of this craft serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of kindness in our daily lives. By creating a magnet that can be displayed on refrigerators, lockers, classroom boards, or in an activity room, participants are sharing and reinforcing this positive message. The act of crafting together also creates a sense of community and collaboration, further promoting kindness and connection.
How to Incorporate This Craft Into Your Program
This sensory craft is versatile and adaptable to various programs:
- Schools: Use it as part of a kindness campaign, anti-bullying week, or an art class focused on positive messages.
- Afterschool Programs: Incorporate it into craft time to engage kids in a meaningful, hands-on activity.
- Camps: Add it to your arts and crafts lineup to provide campers with a keepsake that reinforces kindness.
- Senior Centers: Offer it as a therapeutic activity that promotes dexterity and social interaction.
Benefits of Sensory Crafting
Crafting with sensory materials offers numerous benefits for participants of all ages:
- Improves Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating small items like beads and pom poms strengthens hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities.
- Encourages Mindfulness: The tactile nature of sensory crafting helps participants stay present and focused.
- Fosters Creativity: Choosing materials and designing the magnet encourages self-expression.
- Promotes Social Interaction: Working on this craft in a group setting builds teamwork.
We loved how this craft idea is an opportunity to combine sensory engagement with an important life message. As an educator, program leader, or parent, this project can be a fun and meaningful way to promote kindness while stimulating the senses. Try it today and let creativity and kindness take center stage!
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