Wooden Learning Easel — Magnetic Whiteboard & Chalkboard

A free-standing wooden easel with a board on each side. One side is a magnetic whiteboard for markers and for sticking up the magnetic letters and numbers; the other is a chalkboard. Along the top there is a coloured bead counter, a clock for learning to tell the time, and numbers for simple sums.

How you play

1. Stand the easel where your child can reach the whole board.
2. Start on the whiteboard side with the magnetic letters and numbers.
3. Turn it round to the chalkboard side when they want to draw.
4. Use the bead counter along the top to work through simple sums.
5. Use the clock along the top to practise telling the time.

What it builds

• Letter and number recognition, from arranging the magnetic pieces by hand
• Early writing and drawing control, on two surfaces that need different pressure
• Counting, with the beads making the numbers something to see and move
• Telling the time, on a clock at eye level rather than on a wall

Three ways to play it

• Give one side to each child so two can work at once
• Keep the shopping list on the whiteboard, so writing has a real purpose
• Set the clock to bedtime each evening and let your child read it back

The details

• Ages: 3–6 years
• Material: wood, cardboard