How Construction Toys Help STEM Skill Sets
- by Toykraft
- Mar 14, 2016
- 2 min read
Engineers frequently say construction toys inspired their careers. Blocks as well as metal construction are a good introduction to communicating ideas thru physical objects.
Structured construction play is what happens when a child tries to recreate a construction by consulting a model or blueprint. It’s more constrained, but it calls on a particular skill set that is crucial for many tasks.
Kids must analyze what they see, perceive the parts that make up the whole, and figure out how the parts relate to each other.
It’s not just putting things together and taking them apart – kids learn to think quantitatively and develop spatial skills, fine motor skills to name some.
Playing with construction vehicles provides a natural way for children to learn about science and experiment with simple machines, such as inclined planes, pulleys, pendulums, levers and gears. Playing with age-appropriate tools (hammer, nails, screwdrivers and screws) promotes hand-eye coordination and small motor development.
In addition, children who build with construction materials are exploring math concepts such as spatial relationships, shape recognition, measuring and comparing size and length. Teamwork, creativity, perseverance and problem-solving skills can also be enhanced through construction projects.
Building Blocks for Success
There are both short and long term positive effects of playing with construction toys. With so many different types of construction toys available, the opportunities are almost limitless for what a child can do and build. Watching a child build something creative, and then integrate it with other toys to be even more creative with their play takes creativity and imagination to a whole new level!
Construction Toys help develop the following skills:
Improves fine motor manipulation and strength
Kids have to learn how to move and manipulate various shaped objects as well as have the control to ‘screw’ things into place
Enhances spatial awareness: visual-spatial skills are crucial for reading readiness as well
Sparks the imagination and builds confidence
Helps develop problem solving skills, focus and patience
Encourages children to use their minds instead of relying on technology
Can lead into pretend and imaginary play:Once the car, bike or plane is complete, then the story telling and pretend play begins! This is great for social and language development
Introduces kids to science and helps develop math skills
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