Designing rooms for children optimally
Building is one of the languages of children. By creating their own works, they make sense of the world and shape their environment according to their own ideas. In this issue of “Welt des Kindes Spezial – Issue 02/2024,” our daycare space consultant Anja von Karstedt explains which materials and environments inspire children to build and construct.
Children go through various developmental stages when building: from simple rows and surfaces to complex tall structures. It is important to give them time for this natural development and not to skip these stages by building things for them in advance.
Stimulating building materials should be open-ended so that children can bring their own ideas to life. Uncolored, authentic-to-material toys stimulate the imagination and provide genuine hands-on experiences with materials. Classic wooden building blocks in mathematically calibrated dimensions form the foundation. In addition, small-scale materials are suitable for developing fine motor skills, and large elements are ideal for walk-in structures. Natural and everyday materials also enrich the building experience.
Plastic building blocks are not recommended, as their bright colors are distracting, their shape limits creativity, and they make unnecessary noise during play. Since many children’s rooms already contain plenty of plastic toys, children can gain new experiences with different materials at daycare.
Ideal building spaces offer enough room for several groups. Fixed fixtures like platforms provide orientation and structure the space. It’s important to have undisturbed play areas, attractively presented materials, and places where structures can stay overnight. Quiet corners, inviting floors, subdued colors, and good lighting create an inspiring environment.
Children become enthusiastic about building when the environment imposes few restrictions, they find large quantities of open-ended materials, and can use them to bring their own ideas to life. Adults should give them time to discover the many possibilities.