Building & Making
Pre-primary
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Build It Big!
Age Group
Ages 3-5
Session Intention
Children build freely with blocks and discover what they can make.
Materials Needed
- Jumbo Blocks / Brilliant (1)
- Shape Sorter Cube (4)
- Pyramid Rings (2)
- Super Architect / Lego (2)
- Jodo Blocks (1)
- Mechanix Basic (1)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6 from nearby benches.
2. Hand each group a construction kit.
3. Building happens at benches or a cleared space between the benches.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Animal Freeze (2-3 min)
1. Call out an animal.
2. Children move like that animal.
3. When the facilitator claps, everyone freezes.
4. Call a new animal.
5. Examples: Elephant, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the pieces.
2. Take turns.
3. Be kind.
4. Do not break each other's builds.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
FREE BUILD
1. Distribute materials to the groups and the children build anything they want.
2. Walk around and ask children about their creations.
3. Encourage children to share their ideas and try new things.
4. Let this continue through the session if the children remain engaged.
CHALLENGES (if children are disengaged with free build):
Ask the children to
1. Build something very tall.
2. Build something that looks like their favourite cartoon character.
3. Build a home for their pet dog, cat or animal.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Crouch down to the child's level and ask about builds.
2. If a build falls, prompt the children to try again. Ask them what they can do differently.
3. Last 5 minutes: a gallery walk where children look at each other's builds.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. A child knocks over another's build - Let's rebuild it together.
2. A child not engaging - Can you stack 5 of these on top of each other?
What You May Notice
1. Older children can negotiate complex rules and strategies independently. Trust them.
2. Some will test each other's patience in longer games. That is healthy.
3. Notice who takes initiative in setting up and managing the game. It shows leadership.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Announce - Wrap up your current round. Pack games carefully.
2. Ask 2 children - What move or decision are you most proud of today?
3. Ask - Think about what you'd do differently if you played again.
Try Next Time
1. Let children design a tournament format: who plays who, scoring, final round.
2. Try speed rounds: same game with a strict 10-minute limit.
3. Ask children to create one new rule for a familiar game and explain why it improves it.