〜The age when "thinking and creating" becomes fun〜
At 3 years old, block play was about "turning images into shapes."
At 4 years old, the ability to "think" and "devise" is added to that.
"How can I make it not fall?"
"Let's make this a bridge!"
"I want to make a bigger castle!"
This is the period when children are not just building, but "building while experimenting."
Also, the way they play becomes increasingly complex, such as building while imagining the finished product in their heads, or assigning roles and playing with friends and family.
Through block play, children develop not only creativity but also thinking skills, concentration, and communication skills.
This time, we will introduce block play recommended for children around 4 years old!
Characteristics of 4-Year-Old Block Play
Around 4 years old, children start exhibiting more of these behaviors:
・Building with the finished product in mind
・Considering balance and shape
・Being able to play with concentration for a long time
・Playing cooperatively with friends and family
・Playing while creating stories
In particular, this is a time when the ability to think for themselves about "how to succeed" grows.
Even if it collapses after failing, the very experience of trial and error, saying "I'll try again!", leads to important learning.
Block Play Ideas Recommended for 4-Year-Olds
① Building a Big City
This is a game where you arrange houses, roads, shops, parks, etc., to create a "town."
"This is the station!"
"Cars will pass on this road!"
By playing while expanding their imagination, children develop creativity and spatial awareness.
Combining animals and dolls makes it easier to develop into pretend play as well◎
② Tall Stacking Challenge
Around 4 years old, children's sense of balance also develops.
"Where should I put it so it doesn't fall?"
"Maybe I should make the base wider!"
By stacking while thinking, children naturally develop their "thinking skills."
Even if it collapses in the middle, that's an important experience.
It's also a good idea to think together, "Why did it collapse?"
③ Building Courses/Roads
Arranging blocks to create courses for marbles or cars is also popular.
・Making slopes
・Building bridges
・Making tunnels
Children become engrossed in playing while experimenting.
The experience of "how can I make it roll all the way to the end?" also leads to the foundation of logical thinking.
④ Playing Shop/Pretend Play
At 4 years old, it's also common to use blocks as food, money, or a cash register for play.
"Welcome!"
"A cake, please!"
Through such interactions, language skills and sociality develop while enjoying the conversation.
It's important to value free ideas rather than "playing correctly"◎
How to Interact with 4-Year-Olds During Block Play
"Think together" rather than "How about this?"
Around 4 years old, children have a strong desire to think for themselves.
Adults may be tempted to give them the right answer, but it's recommended to use phrases that "create opportunities to think," such as:
"How do you think you can do it?"
"What part would you like to change?"
These phrases encourage children to think.
Acknowledge the "process of ingenuity" rather than the finished product
Block play is not just about the finished product.
"You tried it many times!"
"You came up with such a clever way to place them!"
By acknowledging their process of ingenuity, it also leads to the child's self-esteem.
"Thinking skills" develop through play
Block play for 4-year-olds is not just "playing with toys."
They build, they knock it down, and then they think again.
Through this repetition, abilities that will contribute to their future growth naturally develop, such as:
・Creativity
・Thinking skills
・Concentration
・Communication skills
and more.
Please enjoy block play with your child, valuing their "I want to try it!" spirit.
Next time
Next up is "Block Play for 5-Year-Olds"!
At age 5, block play levels up even further.
More advanced ways of playing, such as "designing, cooperating, and creating rules," will be seen.
We'll introduce block play unique to 5-year-olds, including creating masterpieces and collaborative projects!
▼You can see other ages here!
【Block Play for 3-Year-Olds】Boost Imagination! Recommended Play and Interaction! | Tsumikies Forest
【2-Year-Old Edition】Block Play Ideas｜How to foster "creating and imitating"? | Tsumikies Forest