Using construction in imaginative block play by Hayley Winter

Construction play is a cornerstone of early childhood development. During this play children are refining their motor coordination, and manipulating blocks helps strengthen hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor control. These foam bricks are a perfect addition to any EYFS setting due to being an open-ended resource as well as being able to be used inside and outside in play. 

Importantly, construction play is open-ended. There’s no “right” way to build, which empowers children to experiment, take risks, and develop confidence in their ideas. Whether playing alone or with others, block play provides a foundation for holistic learning, blending physical, cognitive, and emotional growth into one engaging activity.

The TTS foam bricks are designed to resemble real house bricks, providing children with a tactile and realistic building experience. Their soft, durable construction ensures safety during play, making them suitable for younger children to handle confidently. By stacking and balancing these bricks, children engage with basic construction concepts, enhancing their critical thinking and motor skills.

Integrating classic tales like “The Three Little Pigs” into construction play enriches the learning experience. Children can build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks, reenacting the story and exploring themes of resilience and problem-solving. This narrative-driven play encourages children to think creatively and understand cause-and-effect relationships. 

Construction play with these foam bricks promotes teamwork and communication. As children plan and build together, they learn to share ideas, negotiate roles, and work towards a common goal. This collaborative environment fosters social-emotional growth and helps children develop essential interpersonal skills. 

What are the stages of block play?

There are 7 stages of block play (shown below) which outline how children typically progress in their understanding and use of construction materials. These stages are fluid and may overlap, but they provide valuable insight into child development.

1. Carrying – Children begin by simply picking up, holding, and moving blocks. This stage is about exploring weight, shape, and texture.
2. Stacking – Children learn to place blocks on top of one another, usually in vertical arrangements. This introduces concepts of balance and gravity.
3. Bridging – In this stage, children use two blocks with a third placed across to create a bridge. It shows early problem-solving and planning.
4. Enclosing – Children start to form enclosures with blocks, often circling figures or objects. This reflects a developing understanding of space and boundaries.
5. Naming Structures – Children build and then assign meaning to their constructions, saying things like “This is a house” or “It’s a car park.” Imagination becomes more central.
6. Repetition – Children repeat familiar structures, refining their designs and gaining mastery over techniques.
7. Representation – Finally, children create detailed, purposeful structures that reflect real-world buildings or scenes. Their creations often become part of complex role play.

The TTS Role Play Foam House Building Bricks are more than just a plaything; they are a multifaceted educational tool that supports imaginative play, storytelling, and collaborative learning. By incorporating these bricks into activities, educators and parents can create rich, engaging learning experiences that lay the foundation for a child’s cognitive and social development.