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Construction and block play
You will notice that construction creates opportunities for open-ended exploration where your child has the opportunity to set their own challenges, develop their perseverance and their ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.
Mathematical concepts naturally unfold for your child during construction play where opportunities to explore height, width, different shapes and structures, pattern creation, balance, and symmetry are embraced. Kaiako focus on extending thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills as your child consciously works on developing solutions and exploring through trial-and-error.
Construction also provides opportunities for your child to develop socially as they learn to express themselves and their ideas, negotiate and share resources, co-construct with and alongside others, and turn-take. Kaiako foster these skills by thinking aloud and role-modelling language which promotes new ways of connecting with others, inviting others into play, and appreciating others ideas and approaches.
When your child has opportunities to build, they are supported to develop their ability to persist with tasks as they revisit different ways to achieve their vision. Their self-confidence is promoted as they set goals and see these achieved, recognizing their strengths and ability to think flexibly. Kaiako support children to build their confidence through positive feedback and praise, nurturing your child’s ability to view themselves as a confident and competent learner.
There is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to construction and block play; the more opportunities your child has to engage with them, the more they will learn and grow!