~The time when you can give shape to "the image in your mind"~
Up until around age 4, building block play was primarily enjoyed with the feeling of "I want to build something!"
By age 5, their ability to "think about how to build" further develops.
"Let's make this part wider."
"If we build it in this order, it won't collapse!"
"Let's divide the roles among ourselves!"
This is the period when children increasingly play while considering the process to completion.
Also, "cooperative play" increases, such as creating a single work with friends or family, or playing while sharing a story.
Through building block play, not only creativity but also thinking skills, concentration, communication skills, and perseverance are nurtured.
This time, we will introduce building block play recommended for around age 5!
Characteristics of Building Block Play at Age 5
Around age 5, you will start to see these behaviors:
・Building strategically with an image of the finished product
・Attempting complex shapes and large creations
・Playing cooperatively with friends
・Playing with set rules and roles
・Engaging with focused concentration for long periods
This is the period when children try to give shape to their "I want to do this!" ideas through trial and error.
Even if things don't go well midway, the experience of trying while thinking, "How can I make this work?" leads to significant growth.
Building Block Play Ideas Recommended for Age 5
① Creating a Masterpiece
Children can challenge themselves to build "large creations" such as castles, towers, towns, or bases.
"I want to make this part taller!"
"Let's connect the roads!"
By building while considering the overall balance, spatial awareness and structural ability are also nurtured.
The sense of accomplishment when finished is also great, leading to increased confidence!
② Collaborative Creation Play
Around age 5, children also start to enjoy "creating together."
・Dividing roles
・Building while consulting
・Incorporating others' ideas
Through such play, communication skills and cooperativeness are naturally nurtured.
This is perfect for building block play with siblings or friends.
③ Story Pretend Play
It's also recommended to develop pretend play using the worlds created with building blocks.
"This is the zoo!"
"Here comes the train!"
"Enemies are coming, let's protect it!"
By playing while creating their own stories, imagination and expressive power will also be enriched.
④ "Thinking" Challenge Play
Around age 5, children also love games that involve thinking "how to make it work."
For example,
・Creating a domino course
・Building a long bridge
・Creating a path for marbles to roll
By playing through trial and error, the foundations of logical thinking and problem-solving skills are also nurtured.
How to Interact with 5-Year-Olds in Building Block Play
Value "thinking time" more than "the right answer"
Around age 5 is when children begin to form their own thoughts.
Instead of adults immediately giving the answer,
"How do you think it might work?"
"Are there other ways?"
It's recommended to interact by thinking together.
The experience of "I thought about it myself and did it!" builds confidence.
Acknowledge "the effort" not just "the completion"
Larger creations can sometimes collapse midway.
However,
"You were so creative with that!"
"You kept trying until the end!"
By acknowledging the process of their efforts, their motivation to "give it a try" will grow.
Building Block Play Cultivates "Skills for the Future"
In building block play at age 5, skills that lead to future learning, such as:
・Creativity
・Thinking skills
・Concentration
・Communication skills
・Problem-solving skills
are naturally nurtured through play.
Please enjoy building block play with your children, feeling the joy of being able to give shape to their "I want to do this!" ideas.
Next installment
The next installment will be the final part of this series, "Building Block Play for 6-Year-Olds"!
At age 6, building block play further develops into "design" and "rule-making."
You'll see children creating more complex works and developing their own play.
▼You can view other ages here!