Quick answer

Use the Small Group Learning bundle to set up three hands-on stations that combine magnetic building with early literacy and math, perfect for centers and small group instruction.

Why small group learning works with magnetic tiles

Magnetic tiles naturally encourage cooperation and communication. When you divide your class into small groups, each child gets more hands-on time and a chance to contribute. The Small Group Learning bundle is designed for exactly this setup: it includes three Travel 26 sets, plus LEARN Letters and LEARN Numbers, so you can run multiple stations at once without sharing pieces.

A common mistake is trying to use one large set for the whole class. That often leads to waiting and frustration. Small groups let you target specific skills while keeping every student engaged.

How to set up small group learning stations

  1. Divide your class into three groups: Assign each group to a station: Building, Letters, or Numbers. Give each group one Travel 26 set and the corresponding activity cards. Keep groups to 3–4 students so everyone can participate. Check that each group has enough tiles for everyone to build at the same time. If a group is larger, split it further and rotate stations.
  2. Run the Building station: Let students use the Travel 26 set to build freely or follow a simple challenge card. Encourage them to work together on one structure, taking turns adding pieces. This builds cooperation and spatial reasoning. Watch for one child dominating the building. Remind the group that everyone should place at least two tiles before the structure is complete.
  3. Run the Letters station: Use the LEARN Letters set to practice letter recognition. Have students find a letter tile, say its name and sound, then build a simple shape that starts with that letter. For example, 'B' for 'bridge'. If a student struggles with a letter, pair them with a peer who can model the sound. Avoid correcting every mistake; let them discover through play.
  4. Run the Numbers station: Use the LEARN Numbers set to practice counting and number sense. Ask each group to build a tower with a specific number of tiles (e.g., 5 tiles tall) and then count the pieces aloud together. Check that students are touching each tile as they count. Skipping or rushing through numbers is common; slow down and count twice.
  5. Rotate stations every 10–15 minutes: Set a timer and have groups move to the next station. This keeps attention spans fresh and ensures every student experiences all three activities. The bundle’s three Travel 26 sets make rotation seamless. Plan a quick cleanup between rotations. Students should return all tiles to the Travel 26 cases before moving. This teaches responsibility and keeps the stations organized.

Product spotlight

  • Small Group Learning: Includes Travel 26 (3), LEARN Letters, and LEARN Numbers to support letter recognition, number sense, and early math skills. You get three identical travel sets so each small group has its own magnetic tiles, plus literacy and math activities that align with centers and intervention groups.

    Small Group Learning

    Small Group Learning