Learning collaboration

Play is an essential form of learning for children. While working on this construction activity, the two-year-olds communicated their thoughts to each other through words. Since the blocks weren’t interlocking, the structures were wobbly, and the children carefully navigated around them. When adding decorations on top of the structures, they had to be gentle and practice control.

They also learned turn-taking, saying, “It’s my turn, now it’s your turn.” If a carefully built structure happened to collapse, instead of getting upset or crying, they learned to say, “Oh, let’s try building a different design this time,” and start anew.

Once they completed an impressive structure, they would invite their friends and teachers to come and see it. The admiration and compliments from friends and teachers gave the children a sense of achievement and confidence. At the same time, their friends experienced the joy of giving encouraging and positive feedback.

​Finally, the children would sit on the couch and admire their creations, taking pride in their work!