Build It LIVE! June 8 - 12

This week, we’re exploring construction with the Build It exhibit, which will become a new permanent exhibit when the Museum re-opens later in 2020. By the end of the week, you’ll have investigated distance with your body and measurement tools, created your own kinetic sand construction site, and your own building prints. Join us as we explore through activities, stories, and lots of free resources.

All week, share your Art with us by posting your videos and photos with #KohlKidsLive and sending your artwork to playkcm@gmail.com. Join us in the conversation and the fun on Facebook and Instagram @kohlchildrensmuseum

Download PDFs: English | en Español

Block play provides opportunities for children to explore math concepts, fine motor skills, and creativity through the element of design. Supporting block play encourages cognitive and language development through trial and error, and building an understanding of relationships between shapes. The Build It exhibit is a dedicated space that fosters the stages of block play:

1. Discovery of Block Attributes
2. Towers & Roads
3. Bridges
4. Enclosures
5. Patterns & Symmetry
6. Representational Building

* Based on The Block Book, edited by Elisabeth S. Hirsh (NAEYC, 1996, rev.ed).

• Language Development: Providing experiences for children to build with blocks encourages vocabulary integration during play. Children can begin to name attributes of different blocks and engage in conversations with parents and other children describing what they are building and creating.
• Motor Skills: Children practice grasping, holding, moving, and arranging various shapes and sizes of blocks. Children use fine motor skills by pinching or grabbing a block; gross motor skills are employed when using their muscles to lift and carry blocks.
• Cognitive Development: Block play encourages children to use problem-solving skills and early math skills through experiences of making comparisons, estimating, and can foster an understanding of special relationships.

This week’s activities (all Facebook Live sessions at 10:30 AM):