On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, students of Kindergarten B at Al Siddiq International took part in a learning-through-play activity at the Block Centre. During this activity, the children were invited to work in pairs to construct a house using building blocks. Working together allowed the children not only to learn how to arrange and build with blocks, but also to develop their ability to cooperate, exchange ideas, and create something together with a friend.
Before beginning the activity, the teacher provided an initial briefing. The children were first introduced to the rules that needed to be followed while playing at the Block Centre, including how to use the blocks safely and responsibly. They were then given the opportunity to choose a friend to work with. Once the pairs had been formed, the teacher explained the activity: each pair would work together to build a house.
Through this activity, the children were introduced to a simple concept of structural strength. The teacher encouraged them to observe how blocks could be arranged to form a house and how the lower parts of a structure support the parts above them. The children learnt that larger and stronger pillars or foundations can help make a structure more stable and less likely to collapse. This concept was introduced through hands-on play, allowing the children to observe, explore, and discover the answer for themselves.
Throughout the activity, the teacher moved around the room to observe each group’s building process and provided guidance according to the children’s needs and the situations they encountered. For example, when a block structure suddenly collapsed, the teacher did not immediately rebuild it. Instead, the children were encouraged to observe and identify what might have caused it to fall. They were then guided to try making the pillars at the bottom wider or stronger so that they could provide better support for the structure. Through this experience, the children learnt to try again, find solutions, and understand the relationship between a building’s foundation and its stability.
Building the houses in pairs also provided valuable opportunities for the children to develop their social skills. Working in groups of two required them to discuss the shape and design of their house, decide which blocks to use, and cooperate while constructing the structure. Differences in ideas became part of the learning process, helping the children learn to listen to one another, share responsibilities, and complete a task together.
Once the buildings had been completed, the teacher documented the children’s creations as a form of appreciation for their efforts and the learning process they had undertaken. Each house had a different shape and arrangement, reflecting the ideas and creativity of each pair. The children learnt that a creation is not judged solely by its final result, but also by the process of trying, cooperating, and making improvements when difficulties arise.
The activity concluded with the children tidying up the blocks they had used. They were encouraged to return the blocks to their proper places so that the play area could be organised once again. Through this simple routine, the children learnt to take responsibility for the materials they used while developing the habit of caring for their shared learning environment.
Through this activity at the Block Centre, Kindergarten B students at Al Siddiq International gained an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience. Behind the simple task of building a house with blocks, the children were learning about basic construction concepts, structural strength, problem-solving, cooperation, creativity, and responsibility.
Through hands-on play, the children discovered that when a structure is not yet strong enough, they can look for ways to make it more stable. It was a simple experience, yet one that taught an important lesson: keep trying, find solutions, and never give up easily.
By Inka Amalia, S.Pd