What is “Constructive Play” – Stage Two

The second stage of play is constructive play, which we can think of as “construction play” because it involves building and learning through the activity. Within the Hanen Early Language Program, 2018, you can learn about three stages of play: functional, constructive, and pretend (please see our previously posted blog for functional play and stay tuned for the pretend play blog). This blog is to summarize the ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ handout to help identify which stage of play development a child is in. If a child is in the constructive play stage, they will do all of the following:

• Stack blocks on top of each other to create a tower
• Fit puzzle pieces together
• Make creations or figures from playdough, sand, chalk, or clay
• Put objects, blocks, logs, or Legos®️together to build things
• Use supplies, such as, cardboard, glue, dry pasta, fabric, scissors, or construction paper, to create something

Constructive play demonstrates the child’s exploration and curiosity to make something themselves. It can be fun to build a city, mold a figurine, or create an abstract mural. This stage of play typically provides a sense of accomplishment and success when the child’s outcome is met.

Have fun getting creative and check back for our blog about pretend play coming soon!

-Lauren-