Build a Monster STEM Activity with Magnetic Shapes
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Looking for a playful, hands-on learning activity for kids that encourages creativity, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills? Try this Build a Monster STEM activity using magnetic shapes! Inspired by the classic children’s book Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley, this craft-based learning game is a fun and interactive way to explore shapes and design.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean tin can (or metal baking sheet for larger play area)
- Magnetic tape or adhesive magnets
- Printable Monster Builder Template (available in my shop!)
- Scissors
- Optional: crayons or markers for customization
How to Do the Build a Monster Magnet Activity:
- Print & Cut: Download and print the monster pieces. Cut them out carefully.
- Add Magnets: Attach magnetic tape or dots to the back of each piece.
- Decorate Your Can: You can paint or decorate your tin can to make it extra fun!
- Start Building! Let your kids design silly monster faces and bodies by mixing and matching different shapes.
This activity is fantastic for preschool through early elementary kids. For non-readers, the visual cues make it easy to follow.
Educational Benefits of the Build a Monster Activity
- STEM Learning: Encourages design, engineering, and problem-solving skills
- Geometry Basics: Recognize and manipulate shapes (great for early math!)
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, sticking, and placing help build dexterity
- Emotional Expression: Use the monster faces to talk about emotions and feelings
Game Extension: Roll-a-Monster
The printable set includes a fun roll-a-monster dice game. Each number on the die corresponds to a monster feature (eyes, arms, mouth, etc.). Roll to see what you get and create your own unique monster!
Play Ideas & Extensions
- Storytelling: Have kids name their monsters and tell a story about them.
- Monster Emotions: Make happy, sad, silly, and surprised monsters to talk about feelings.
- Math Fun: Sort the monster pieces by shape, color, or size.
- Add a Spinner: Instead of dice, use a paper spinner for another fun variation.
Grab the Printable Monster Builder Set!
This resource includes over 30 monster parts plus a printable game die. Â This is available in my shop. Grab them here!
$3.50Add to cart
Book Pairing
Pair this activity with the book Go Away Big Green Monster for an engaging storytime and creative project that helps children conquer fears and express themselves through art.
See More Shape Activities from My Site:
Cloud Shapes- 2D Shapes Name Cards
See What the Other Book Club Bloggers Have Shared with the Monster Theme:
Monster Themed Name Necklace Craft- The Educators’ Spin On It
Mini Eraser Monster Counting Printables – Artsy Momma
Go Away Big Green Monster Slime – Still Playing School
Easy Finger-painted Monsters for Toddlers- Toddler Approved
Playdough Monster Invitation to Play – My Bored Toddler
Big Green Monster Healthy Snack ideas- JDaniel4’s Mom
Monster Krispie Cakes – Rainy Day Mum
Colorful Monsters Printable Worksheet-The Moments at Home
Monster Leaf Puppet Craft – Messy Little Monster
Feed the Monster Game – Mama Smiles
