Children these days are becoming increasingly attached to technology. Forgotten toys sit in dusty corners of shelves, abandoned by children who choose to play digital games on their phones or tablets instead. However, one toy appears to have transcended time and still remains popular with children these days: Lego. Did you know that these brightly colored plastic bricks have been around since the 1940s?
The Lego Group began selling painted wooden blocks in 1946 before the toy evolved into the moulded plastic bricks that we know and love today. Over the years, many types of building block toys have emerged, but one thing has stayed the same: Building blocks help children to play well.
How can children benefit from playing with Building blocks?
1) Building
blocks build Creativity
There is no right or wrong way of building blocks. With few rules, it allows children to create just about anything from their imagination. You’ll be surprised at what a child can make with just a few blocks. The simple design of the blocks encourages children to stretch their creativity and explore new possibilities.
2) Building
blocks boost Confidence
As there is no right or wrong in the block building process, the final creation is based solely on the child’s creativity and effort. Children will discover that they can bring their ideas to life through the use of building blocks. This results in a sense of accomplishment when they manage to build the final product, making it a powerful tool to help boost a child’s self-esteem.
3) Building
blocks develop Problem-Solving Skills
Building blocks also help children develop problem-solving skills as they have to go through the trial and error of putting individual bricks together to form the final object that they have in mind. This creates endless teaching opportunities for parents and teachers to coach their children on how they can work through a problem.
4) Building
blocks promote Social-Emotional Growth
When played in a group, building blocks together helps children to share and learn turn-taking skills. This teaches children to engage in healthy negotiations with their peers and make responsible decisions. As children play and learn from their peers, it also shows them the importance of being focused and following instructions, which are essential aspects of a child’s social-emotional development.
To sum up, building
blocks are a great tool for children to express their creativity and develop
important skills that they can apply to everyday life. If you have Lego— or any
building blocks— at home, you can use them to spend Special Time with your
children while teaching them valuable life lessons!