Construction play (also known as constructing play or constructive play) is a type of play in which children use parts of their play environment in order to create something completely new. For example, stacking, assembling, disassembling, organizing, and molding are some of the construction processes that may be used in this process. Constructive play fosters the development of a wide range of abilities and behaviors, including the physical skills (both fine and gross motor) required to move and control the chosen object or substance, the ability to cooperate with others, and the ability to problem-solve, thinking abilities that are adaptable, the capacity to organize the usage of materials in order to see a design idea come to fruition, the ability to put ideas to the test, tenacity in the face of building problems, as well as teamwork behaviors required to successfully and collaboratively finish a task with others.
We typically envision building blocks or other commercial construction sets when we think of construction play, but it could also encompass a wide range of activities such as putting together a blanket fort, utilizing reclaimed materials to make box constructions, making sandcastles, digging damns, and rivers in a sand and water table for kids, making things out of playdough, investigating a variety of loose materials, etc.
Children are extremely inquisitive and energetic at this time of development. While learning how to engage with their environment through these activities, preschoolers build a strong foundation of fundamental skills as well as an early interest in the construction industry. Children are naturally curious builders, and the fact that large equipment and construction excite so many of them is a testament to their ability to use their imaginations.
As a result of engaging in constructive play, children quickly learn about strategies that can either provide outcomes or fail to produce any results. They also learn to be more adaptable in their problem-solving approaches as they progress through the process. Furthermore, the problem-solving skills that children learn through constructive play can be applied to other parts of their lives that do not include playing. The value of cooperating with other members of one’s team is instilled in children through constructive play. Simply transferring buckets between each other, for example, can bring the children together and help them feel like they are part of a larger community working toward the same goals. The experience also prepares kids to develop social skills that will be beneficial to them as they grow into adulthood.
Children’s ability to be creative in their interactions is one of the major benefits of constructive play, and this is one of the most significant advantages. By coming up with multiple applications for given information, a youngster disengages from thinking in a single direction and develops their lateral thinking talents. Constructive play necessitates children using every muscle in their bodies while they construct their structures. These activities, such as crawling and stretching as well as grabbing and walking, allow them to actively exercise their developing muscles. It also helps them to fine-tune their motor skills, which helps them to have healthy physical development.
When children engage in construction play, they are completely in control. They are given the flexibility to devise a goal, select the materials necessary to attain the goal, and determine the most effective method of putting the goal into action. This impression of complete control over one’s environment provides children with a favorable self-image and contributes to the development of their self-confidence.
