Nursery World - Nursery Equipment: Construction

Construction play is ideal for developing both gross and fine motor skills. Ruth Thomson provides a round-up of the building sets on offer.

As treadmills, exercise bikes and steppers start to make an unwelcome appearance in some settings, it is worth reminding ourselves of the full-body workout that children can enjoy when using large construction equipment. With the physical challenge of pushing, pulling and lifting comes creativity, designing, planning and co-operation - with none of the tedium of a junior gym (there is even a junior weight bench out there).

Setting out the all-round benefits of construction, early years consultant Penny Tassoni explains, 'There's a huge difference between the exercise needs of adults and children. Children need a stop-start approach to exercise rather than continual aerobic activity. Traditional outdoor equipment such as crates, wooden planks and logs are a much better option. Not only do they provide children with good gross motor activity, but they also provide opportunities for imaginative play and problem solving. Construction play also provides children with naturally occuring opportunities to play with others.'

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