The benefits of building, engineering, and construction play are well established. Kids that engage in this kind of play enhance problem solving skills, fine motor skills, and spacial skills, as well as develop a heightened capacity for creative, divergent thinking. There may also be a link between construction play and advanced math skills later in life.
The importance of early childhood STEM activities cannot be overstated.
This week we got to do a new kind of engineering challenge. Usually we build bridges, buildings, and other stable structures, but this time we created imaginary animals and fantastical characters with Bunchems. We stretched our imaginations and reaped the benefits of open-ended construction play.
Most importantly, we had a blast playing together as a family.
What Are Bunchems?
If you haven’t heard of them, Bunchems are colorful little balls that stick to each other and build like no other. Clean up is a breeze because they stick to each other. You can build whatever you want simply by squishing a pile of them together!
Even my three-year-old can easily build with Bunchems because she doesn’t have to be precise about connecting the little balls together. She can simply connect, twist, and create. There’s no difficult snapping or aligning everything “just so”. The kids, no matter their age, have free-range to be as creative as they desire!
My six-year-old loves building inanimate objects, like a mountain, and adding eyes, a mouth, and a hat from the accessories to make it “Mr. Mountain”. Among his many creations were little men, a bat, various imaginary planets, and a funny elephant.
Advanced Construction Play
It is amazing to watch my son’s projects progress in complexity as he has become more familiar with Bunchems and their capabilities. His structures went from flat little guys to taller mountains as he experimented and learned how to make a stable base and build up from there.
My kids love building and experimenting with Bunchems. I love that they are using their brains while engaging in a creative and fun building activity!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
STEM Saturday
Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Anatomy from Suzy Homeschooler
The Secret of the Leak-Proof Bag Science Experiment from Preschool Powol Packets
How cute. This looks like such a fun sensory activity. I love it.
I love how you can build so many things with these things!
These are some really interesting ideas, perfect for helping kids to explore and enhance their creative side. I am sure kids will enjoy it too. Thanks for sharing these ideas!