Alphabet Magnets helping to promote early literacy skills

NZTC Alphabet Magnets are proving to be a valuable resource for early childhood centre, Little Kiwi’s Corner, inspiring new learning opportunities through both child and teacher led play.

Centre manager, Casey Weston, says they are so thankful to be the lucky winners of NZTC’s 40th anniversary celebratory initiative that gifted hundreds of sets of magnets to children and families throughout New Zealand.

“During Covid, a lot of our families were hit very hard and it has been a stressful time for all. The children have been delighted to each receive their own set of magnets. The gift of a great resource like this has been a real highlight of their year.”

Featuring bright and colourful images, the magnets are helping develop an increased competence in symbolic, abstract, imaginative and creative thinking – a key theme in The Communication Strand of Te Whāriki.

“We have absolutely loved our alphabet magnets and the children have been using them every day to continue their early literacy skills.”

The magnets are also helping to transition the older children from the ECE setting to primary school.

“Our children have received them as a farewell present if they have moved on to school recently, and this has been greatly received from them and their families as an excellent resource for school preparation.”

Weston says the magnets are proving popular across the age groups, encouraging a variety of play.

“With our ‘Fantastic Fours’ group, we have utilised them on the whiteboard, where they can match the magnets to the corresponding letters. They also look for the first letter of their name on their own.

“The up to two's area with the babies and younger toddlers have been using them on the fridge, taking them on and off and further developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they grip them and place them back on the fridge.

“They have also been learning early recognition of different objects as we ask them to find a certain picture, such as the cow or heart magnet.

“All in all these magnets are a fantastic resource and we are very privileged to have received them in our centre.”