Your Child Will Learn
How to use different materials to build a structure
Here’s What to Do
- Gather building materials from around the house (cereal boxes, cans, plastic containers, straws, egg cartons, paper towel tubes, etc.).
- Place the materials on the floor and invite your child to begin building.
- Help them troubleshoot their design if needed.
- Use your building for pretend play- use action figures or dolls to interact with your child’s building.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Stretch your hands up to the sky as high as you can, then exhale slowly and bring your arms down.
ENGAGE
- “What do you think you’d like to make? What kind of materials should we start with?”
- “Do you want to make a ramp for your car? What do you think would make a good ramp?”
ENCOURAGE
- Not sure how to get started? Give your child a prompt like trying to build the tallest tower, or trying to build something for a toy (a house, a car garage, a horse stable, etc.).
- Let your child’s building fall over- that’s part of the fun! Once it falls, talk about how to build it in a new way.
REFLECT
- What was the most fun part about building together?
Not Quite Ready
Take turns with your child- let them add a building material, and then you add one. Your help may guide them towards a successful building with less frustration.
Ready for More
Use tools in your construction- help your child use scissors or tape to make their building stronger.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will understand how different materials can be tools they use to build a structure.
Time to Complete
15-30 minutes
Materials Needed
Household building supplies like cereal boxes, cans, plastic containers, straws, egg cartons, paper towel tubes