DIY Classroom Magnetic Board

    I'm always in search of new and unique ways for my students to learn and grow. I'm sure you are too! I mean that's why you're here, right? :) I have several students in my class that receive occupational therapy. Earlier this year, our OT came in and told me that having students with fine motor issues work on a vertical surface can help improve some of the student's fine motor skills. So, I took this and ran with it! I mean, if it's going to help my students, I was gonna find a way to make this happen!

My solution? Huge magnetic board work station! And if you knew me, you would know that I had to make this a fun DIY project. My first stop? Home Depot. I bought a sheet of galvanized steel for about $10. It was a pretty big sheet and also can double as a dry erase board. So, it was a great buy.

I decided to mount it on the partition that I have, to make the most use of my space as possible. As you can see, I used bulletin board border to make it look a little cuter. I also put a couple layers of duct tape around all of the edges of the sheet metal because it is VERY sharp and I wasn't going to take a chance of any of my kiddos cutting their hand. 

                                  

I already have letters for my class, so I just but some sticky magnets on the back and it was good to go! I have some kiddos that are also working on colors, shapes, and numbers, so I made work kits that a paras could have available when they needed it.

                     

I went a little Cricut crazy, and cut out shapes, letters, and objects in different colors. Each folder has a pencil case that has all of the materials that the paras need for each activity.     

                  

The paras LOVE it and the students LOVE it! They pull up a bean bag or a floor cushion and the have a blast. The best thing about this is that you can do any type of activity on this board. It can be completely modified depending on what subject and level you teach!