There’s no doubt about it - building blocks and construction toys play a key role in igniting childrens’ imaginations. While simple in shape and form, the structural possibilities are endless - producing hours of entertainment.
They help kids develop an understanding of their world by replicating the buildings and objects around them. The fun continues by creating their own stories or re-enacting scenes from their favourite cartoons.
But the creative aspect isn’t the only benefit for preschoolers, toddlers, and babies. Construction playtime also nurtures your child's brain.
The added benefits of block and construction play include the development of concentration, spatial awareness, shape recognition, problem-solving skills, social skills, and more.
Whether playing on their own or with a sibling, toy blocks teach kids how to overcome challenges and explore the environment around them. The playtime experience encourages questions like ‘How high can I make the tower before it falls down?’ and ‘How can I stop it from falling?’ and ‘Which shaped block should I use next?’ And when things don’t work out, they’ll use critical thinking to work out how to make improvements.
Without building blocks and construction toys, a child’s toy collection is incomplete.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these classic, everlasting toys.
What are the Different Types of Blocks?
Wooden BlocksIn general, wooden toys seem to last almost forever, with many well-loved favourites passed down from generation to generation. And it’s no different when it comes to wooden blocks.
Wooden blocks offer a more natural and organic play-space for children. The best part is - wood is renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable. This durable playroom classic also features a tactile quality unmatched by other types of blocks. So your child will love their soft touch while building their masterpiece.
Available in different shapes, designs, and colours, there are plenty of options to choose from.
For a fun spin on traditional building blocks, we recommend checking out magnetic blocks.
While providing the same benefits as classic wooden blocks, these toys are more versatile because they can be shaped any way your child wants - without the risk and frustration of blocks falling down. With their magnetic connection points, they’re great for adding a sense of delight to your child’s building activity - as it means making their structures more stable and intact. Until they’re ready to knock them down, of course!
This means having the ability to stack higher and more creative creations.
If you’re looking for a unique building block set for your child, then we’re excited to introduce you to gem blocks.
Gem blocks stand out from the crowd because they literally feature gems - yes shiny and colourful stones - embedded inside. Some of the sparkly stones found in these toys include Lucite Cubes, Papoose BitCoins, and Bauspiel Gems.
These eye-catching gem blocks add a touch of elegance to your little one’s collection. They’re bright and fun to play with. And nothing beats the magical, alluring experience of watching their diamonds sparkle in the sunlight!
Benefits of Block and Construction Play
ConcentrationIf you struggle to keep your kid still for longer than five minutes, then here’s your solution.
Building blocks are great for increasing concentration - and keep kids playing longer than other activities. It’s just so easy to get lost in the experience of creation when they have a vision. The toys encourage perseverance and constant consideration of the next steps to take.
Spatial AwarenessBlock and construction play toys also teach your kids about spatial awareness.
When your little builder conceptualises a project of their own, they learn more about their body, the blocks, and how everything fits together in the space around them. The playtime experience helps them understand and respond to change. Like where they need to place the blocks to ensure they don’t come crashing down before they’re ready!
Shape RecognitionBuilding blocks are a great educational tool when it comes to learning basic shapes. Buying a kit with multi-shaped blocks, like our Core Four Block Set, helps your little one identify shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. Then, as they get older, you can use the same blocks to teach them about prisms and pyramids!
Creative thinking and building blocks go hand in hand. The best blocks for embracing your child’s creativity are ones with various colours, shapes, and sizes. A set of varied blocks, like our Jumbo Natural Rainbow Blocks, are sure to excite and ignite their wildest imaginations.
Looking for a toy to help your baby or toddler improve hand-eye coordination?
There’s a whole range of fine motor skill toys available that are specially designed to teach your little one to grasp with ease. For preschoolers, something like coloured rods or blocks will take their skills to the next level - as they require more precision with their placement.
While playing blocks on your own is fun, playing with someone else is so much better! Building towers and structures alongside siblings or friends teaches kids how to share ideas, listen and absorb others' perspectives, and negotiate. All great skills to have!
Problem Solving Skills
Blocks aren’t just for building. Some sets encourage problem-solving skills by featuring a carved out puzzle. They spark the question ‘How do these pieces fit together?’ Our Sailing the Seven Seas wooden block set is just one example that’s sure to get your little Einstein’s problem-solving skills tingling!
Beginning Math Skills
Make learning maths fun with numeracy toys. Children absorb information a lot better and faster when they enjoy the learning activity. Especially when it doesn’t feel like learning! With various toys like number blocks, wooden number sets, maths activity sets, counting boards, and so much more, they’ll learn their digits in no time.
Literacy and Language
Early in life, a child absorbs language with very little effort. You can further support this development with alphabet blocks. Playtime with creative wooden literacy toys helps kids identify their letters, understand the difference between uppercase and lowercase, and learn how to form and spell words. They’ll pick it up before you can say A, B, C.
Key Takeaways
While they’re a lot of fun to play with, building blocks and construction toys offer so many more benefits for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They also support their learning and development - physically, mentally, and socially.
And the development of these skills is crucial in the early years. Especially when it comes to preparing for ‘big school’!
