![Adults should observe what children are doing in order to cater for individual needs around construction play](/media/3sppkmsm/construction1.jpg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da6112c8f42500)
In nearly every early years setting we will find children purposefully building a structure. It may be a boat, a castle or a complex circuit of track for a train set. Building things seems to be a source of both fascination and enjoyment for many children, and so construction play has been a key resource for many years.
The term ‘construction play’ is used to describe any type of play in which children are physically creating structures. It includes ‘block play’, where children manipulate different sizes and shapes of wooden blocks, as well as the interlocking bricks such as Duplo and Lego. Construction play can also come in the form of random real-life objects such as crates, guttering and tubing that children use to create dens or slides for cars and balls.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here