What is construction?

Anything a child makes which requires “putting together”, using a variety of materials. Construction materials have separate pieces that can be combined in different ways. Construction materials offer endless possibilities, support eye/hand co-ordination and inventive thinking, as well as dramatic play.

Construction Play can provide opportunities for children to:

• Use problem solving skills e.g. “balance” a correct size block;
• Explore concepts of shape, size, weight, texture, number values;
• Experience a physical release and the development of muscular co-ordination by using Large Muscles – stretching, bending, piling, stacking, pushing, carrying, lifting, and Small Muscles – cutting, hammering, balancing. These also promote eye/hand co-ordination;
• Develop positive self-esteem – there are no right or wrong end result needs to be produced which develops children's self-confidence. An emotional release, children have opportunities to express feelings of happiness, aggression, sharing, and satisfaction of achievements;
• Enjoy creative expression and the development of a sense of design and form;
• Experience all types of play ranging from solitary to co-operative play. Role playing can be part of construction e.g. architect, builder, carpenter.

Things you can use with Construction

• Unstructured materials such as spools, cans, baskets, boxes or crates, sheets/lengths of materials, cardboard boxes, blocks or washing baskets;
• Clothes props – hats, work boots, safety goggles, aprons, safe-work tools;
• Natural objects – sticks, leaves, bamboo poles, small rock;
• Pictures - cities, farms, boats, building plans, plumbing layouts, etc.

Types of construction materials

• Blocks – wooden of various shapes and sizes, foam coloured, vinyl, cardboard and magnetic;
• Lego – small and large
• Wood working materials (small hammers, soft wood, nails)
• Interlocking building sets (Poly M, Mobilo, Interstar).
• Paper/cardboard box construction (large and kitchen boxes).
• Food items – dried beans, rice, macaroni, spaghetti, peppercorns, cloves etc for decoration.

Construction for Babies (0-1 years)

• Stacking and nesting cups are a great way to begin to promote construction with babies.
• Soft foam block sets are colourful and interesting for babies to explore.