Is it bad for kids to destroy things right away? It's actually a crucial "first step"
When kids first start playing with building blocks,
they build them up... only to immediately knock them down with a "CRASH!" right?
"Are they not playing properly?"
"Are they too restless?"
Have you ever felt that way?
But actually, this act of "destroying"
has a very important meaning for a child's development.
Destroying is evidence of learning "cause and effect"
By destroying blocks, children experience:
- Stacking makes it taller
- Pushing makes it fall
- Falling makes a sound
They are experiencing this "cause and effect."
Even if it just looks like they're destroying things to adults,
children are actually using their minds and bodies to learn.
Destroying → Building is a natural developmental order
Most children's play develops in this order:
① Destroying is fun
② Asking others to build so they can destroy
③ Gradually building a little by themselves
④ Wanting to build higher
It's natural not to be able to build skillfully from the start.
In fact, it's precisely because they have a lot of experience destroying that
they start to think, "How can I prevent it from falling?"
Skills developed through destructive play
In fact, children develop these skills through "destructive" play:
- Ability to understand cause and effect
- Spatial awareness
- Control of hand strength
- Curiosity and inquisitiveness
- Foundation for concentration
Even seemingly dynamic play
is firmly connected to educational development.
Recommended ways for adults to interact
During the stage where kids love to destroy, this kind of interaction is recommended:
・Empathize with them by saying, "What a loud sound!"
・Build high towers for them to increase their destructive experience
・Enjoy repetition by asking, "Want to do it again?"
Rather than stopping them with "Don't destroy it!",
creating an environment where they can destroy freely
leads to the next step.
The destroying phase is a sign of growth
Children who have destroyed a lot
will one day suddenly start building by themselves.
This is proof that they have physically understood the "mechanics of collapse."
Destroying is also a valuable form of learning.
Please watch over your child's "CRASH!"
as the sound of their growth.
At Tsumikies no Mori,
we value "learning through play" for children.
Block play that starts with destruction.
That, too, is an important first step towards the future.
▼ You can purchase Tsumikies blocks that support your child's growth and are suitable for play from 0 years old here!