They are referred to by many big brand names, off-brand/generic titles, and other terms: Legos, Lincoln Logs, bricks, building blocks, etc. These are toys used in construction play. They may snap together, stack together, or what have you. They are used to construct buildings, vehicles, and more. The "construction play" just referred to is an important part of every child's life – or at least it should be.
TOYS USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PLAY
Construction play toys can be made from wood or plastic. Regardless, as learning tools, they have superpowers. The way a child progresses can be greatly influenced through construction play because it helps develop the following:
- Engineering skills
- Social competence
- Their capacity for divergent, creative thinking
- Language skills
- Cognitive flexibility
- Spatial reasoning
- Hand-eye coordination/motor skills
Believe it or not, higher mathematical achievement has also been linked to complex block play! How does this all work? How can a toddler's motor development be stimulated by arranging tiny toy blocks and stacking them in various ways?
THERE IS MORE TO THE EQUATION
There's far more to construction play than just stacking a bunch of pieces together. When construction play incorporates the following, it has been found that kids benefit even more:
- Discussing spatial relationships with others.
- Engaging in projects that require cooperation.
- Using templates from which to build.
Want to encourage construction play in your child? Here are some suggestions on how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to toy blocks/bricks/construction toys.
COMBINING STORYTIME WITH BLOCK PLAY
Read stories to your child and illustrate parts of the story using toy blocks and accessories.
USE CHARACTER TOYS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN CONSTRUCTION PLAY
If your child is reluctant to build, don't just hand them blocks and say "Go!" Give them cars, action figures, toy animals, and other accessories so that they can construct projects and stories.
MAKE-BELIEVE AND FANTASY GO WITH BLOCKS
Playing with building blocks doesn't have to involve strictly construction. Make-believe and fantasy play is a big part in the stories that children create to go along with what they're building. If, rather than engineering, your child is more focused on fantasy, they can still enjoy important cognitive benefits.
SPECIFIC TASKS VERSUS FREE PLAY
It is important for a child to be allowed to play freely with their construction toys. But, giving them a template from which to form a structure can also inspire them and help their development. Let them help you build a diagram for their next project.
BUILDING PROJECTS IN COOPERATION
To break the ice when introducing children to each other, one great way is to have them participate in a joint building project. This works well when you're hosting a party, as well. You can create teams with which to accomplish building tasks.
SPATIAL TALK/IDEAS AND PARENTAL COOPERATION IS ENCOURAGED
You can help your child's vocabulary develop, as well as spend quality time with them, when you work on construction projects together.
CONSTRUCTION TOYS AND MORE AT KIDPOWERED
Kidpowered has the perfect accessory for your child's construction play toys.
Introducing our Construction Crane Set. Help your child move those "heavy" building pieces with this mighty crane and construction worker. Included in this construction theme set are the following:
- Two safety barriers
- One bag and two building blocks
- Helmeted figure with safety gear
- For lifting pallets, construction crane with hook
This is just one example of the entertaining and imaginative toys included in our vast array of playthings. Shop Kidpower online today to have the happiest kid on the block!