DUPLO My First Build

DUPLO My First Build

In the box: 59 colorful pieces, 4 pattern cards

I think LEGO and DUPLO construction sets are some of the best toys out there for working on a multitude of skills simultaneously. DUPLO sets are designed for younger kids - ages 1 1/2 - 5. Pieces are made from colorful, hard plastic, and they are too big to accidentally swallow and big enough to be easily manipulated by younger kids.

If you've followed my blog at all, you will immediately know what attracted me to this particular set - pattern cards!  Some kids have a hard time knowing what to do when a pile of blocks are placed in front of them and they are asked to "build something". Introducing pattern cards brings structure as well as a long list of visual perceptual skills into play. There are not enough pieces in the set to construct all of the models on the cards at the same time. Some will have to be disassembled to build others.

Like LEGOs, kids can use DUPLO blocks over and over, never building the same thing twice.  LEGO and DUPLO sets of all kinds are almost always big hits with the kids. 

Try this:

• Start with a few minutes of free time so that the child can examine the pieces and how they snap together.
• Cover up all the pieces on the pattern card except the ones you are working on if the child does not know where to look or does not understand that you proceed from bottom to top.
• Instruct the child to place the pieces on top of the card while gathering the pieces that will be needed for a specific model. Take them off, then build.
• Create the models from the picture on the box once the child can build from the step-by-step pattern cards.
• Give the beginner a piece at a time while building and point to the piece on the card to show where it should go.
• Take time for creative play after you are done building.
• Encourage the individual to use a stabilizing hand to hold the model as pieces are added with the other hand.
• Put all the pieces in a pile for the individual to look for the pieces he needs. Turn some of the pieces upside down or on their side so the child will have to recognize them from different perspectives. Place some pieces under or behind other pieces so some pieces are only partially visible.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, figure ground, visual form constancy, manual dexterity, coordinated use of both hands, eye-hand coordination, creative play, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

If you are interested in purchasing this or just want more information, click on the image below.