Activities for kids; Construction of a park using pre-punched pieces

Activity of building blocks has always been the doorsteps to improve observation and creativity among children. But innovative art and crafts have replaced them with a different approach for building the same. While searching for some medium for building a park for my seven years old kid, I came across Navneet Publications (India) Limited’s series of Model Construction.

Navneet Publications (India) Ltd., a dominant player in educational & office stationery products, has organized this activity series to enhance creativity and team work in an interactive manner among children of 5-8 years of age. It is a book consisting of several pre-punched pieces instead of blocks that has been designed specifically for constructing various models such as a park, little house, farmhouse and a circus show. The model is shown on the cover page of the book with various elements constituting it. These elements are constructed first using the pre-punched pieces that bear the same number as in the model. Then by placing these elements creatively, the kid can build a park of his own imagination with lots of fun.

Even if the pieces depict the structure of the elements very well, the kid needs the help of elders while assembling them. Simple basic elements in a park such as kids playing, ice-cream vendor are easy to build with just two pieces. But constructing the main components that make a park such as slide, swing, fountain, benches with kids require more attention and patience. By following the arrows on the pieces, you can proceed by pushing the tags into the slits.

1. Making basic simple structural elements using two pieces. The first piece or cut-out would illustrate the picture with a slit on the bottom. The second piece would be in the shape of a small semi-circle with a slit on the top. This piece acts as a stand when both the pieces are joined by means of the slits.
2. Making the main structural components using 3, 4, 5 pieces. This step enhances the mind power of the kid as he/she has to think and form the shape using 3 or more cut-outs. After forming the shape, assembling the pieces by inserting the tags into the proper slits requires finger power and concentration. This can be an exercise for the fingers too.
3. Forming the outline of the park as shown in the model. A rail track for a toy train also forms its part. Fencing is another important part of this activity. The doors of the fence kept open have to be placed on the entrance.
4. Now that all the elements for building a park have been constructed, the kid can locate them as seen in a park and can have fun.

Building blocks activity is a great way to keep your child occupied. They are also one of the best toys for developing eye-hand coordination. Children may love to build blocks in groups. This helps in developing their social behavior too.