Building Blocks and Construction Toys

Building is one of the best ways to develop spatial thinking. Children learn what happens when a block is placed at an angle, why a tower falls and how to make it stable. It is their first introduction to physics and engineering. Spatial thinking later helps with geometry, drawing and reading maps. At the same time children train fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience and focus. When a construction works, they feel the pleasure of a job well done and want to try again.

• From 12 months. A 3-in-1 wooden set: shape sorter, stacker and pull-along elephant. A baby learns to place one piece on another and find the right hole. See more in wooden blocks.
• From 2 years. A wooden lacing toy with zoo animals that trains fingers and calm, focused work.
• From 3 years. A magnetic 3D cube set with 63 pieces that click together on their own, and a creative block set with 300 pieces for free building. See also magnetic building sets and construction sets.

Wooden blocks are the classic choice for the youngest. They are heavier, more stable and pleasant to touch, which makes first towers easy. Magnetic building sets suit children from 3, because the pieces attract each other and more complex shapes work without frustration. They are good for learning geometric shapes and symmetry. Creative block sets with many small pieces are for older children who want to build from their own idea or a picture.

If your child loves vehicles, combine building with toy cars: build a garage, a bridge or a road. If your child likes logic, see also puzzles and games.

Start with free building rather than instructions. Let your child experiment and knock towers down; that is learning too. Later, offer a small challenge: build a house for a teddy or a tower as tall as a chair. Keep the pieces in a box or bag so they do not get lost, and check from time to time for damaged parts. Sets with small parts are not intended for children under 3.

Building is also great for playing together. Siblings or friends can build one big town where each child is responsible for their own part. That way children learn to share pieces, agree on a plan and help each other.