Small Magnet Boards (and More!)

It's Scott from Brick by Brick. I love to repurpose materials—use materials in ways different from their intended purpose.

Have you ever purchased something "just because"? Several years ago we were in a large discount store, just browsing. Browsing is usually when I get into trouble, financially that is. 

We found some white square burner covers. (Do you know burner covers? They are made to cover the burners on a stovetop to keep them clean and protected. Or something like that.) Well, I saw them and I knew we needed to have them. We purchased them. I didn't have a plan for them but I knew they could be useful in the classroom. (Our burners did not need covering!)

And use them we do. Most often we use them as magnet boards. I've written about our large magnet board (the oil drip pan). But we like using these boards because they are small and can be easily used on a table top. (Make sure the burner covers are metal for this!) 

We use them with our magnet letters.

And magnet shapes.

And even with face pieces. To make your own face pieces, cut eyes, noses, and mouths from magazine faces; glue the pieces on heavy paper; attach magnets to the backs. Or you can draw eyes, noses, and mouths on heavy paper, cut apart, and add magnets. Our kids enjoy using these to make silly faces on the magnet boards.

But these burner covers can also be used as dry erase boards. We pull them out when we need additional boards for kids to use. (Other ideas for dry erase boards)

And, since the burner covers have a lip so they can fit over the burners, they make great shallow trays. Flip them upside down to hold counters, art supplies, or just about anything.

I'm sure we could add these to the dramatic play kitchen and the kids would use them in all kinds of ways. Or place with the blocks for building. Or tap on a burner cover with a pencil or spoon as a rhythm instrument.

These are great repurpose items. What are your ideas for using them?