This short blog by Shannan Mulrooney outlines the benefit of construction play for young children. 

Construction play involves children building something from different materials or resources such as blocks, magnets, legos, cardboard boxes etc. It is a fantastic opportunity for open-ended play with no set outcomes but a lot of learning and fun for everyone involved. When construction play is open-ended, children can use their imagination and get creative with their designs. Construction play can lead to many discussions and new learning opportunities beyond their physical constructions. 

 

Through construction play, children build on their previous learning experiences and take things a step further. Children learn to regulate their emotions and cope with frustrations when things do not go to plan. Emotional regulation is an essential skill in all aspects of their lives. Construction play is a fantastic opportunity for social interaction and collaboration as children share, take turns, and communicate their ideas. The different materials and toys used in construction play allow children to explore different textures, weights, and sizes. Children learn the cause and effect these have when used in their construction, which directly links to STEAM learning.

 

The way construction materials are stored influences the way children play with them. Construction materials must be easily accessible to children. It is important that materials are sorted and categorised rather than all mixed up. When the materials are sorted by size or shape, children can clearly see their options and make a conscious decision to choose the piece they want to use next. Doing so helps children to develop forward-thinking and planning skills, which allows them to enhance their construction further. Tidy-up time is the perfect chance for children to practice their sorting and problem-solving skills as they take apart their structure and put each piece back where it belongs. 

 

 

 

Over the summer, try to promote construction play by rearranging how the materials are stored and introducing new materials. Educators or parents can begin building and constructing if they wish, but once the child or children get involved, let them lead the design process. Educators and parents may continue playing or take a step away once the children become engaged and gain independence. Before the finished construction piece is tidied away, take a photograph. Print these photos out weekly and display them on the wall or in a scrapbook the children can access. Children should be able to look at theirs and others' construction pieces. This is a fantastic social activity and an excellent opportunity for language development and self-reflection. Children will feel a sense of identity and belonging and may even be influenced by others' designs, building their confidence to try new ideas and take risks. 

A Construction Resource Pack is available on the Early Years Shop, here: https://earlyyearsshop.ie/product/construction-resource-pack/