Architecture and Design are not only limited to adults. Our children could learn and benefit from igniting their creativity, organization skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving and spatial recognition through play.
Last Friday, I drove three hours to the city with 
Before heading back home, we passed by Ayala Mall for a late lunch and a quick urban therapy. I wanted to get something inexpensive for my 6-year-old daughter so Camille suggested Daiso, a Japanese discount store. To my delight, I spotted these creative Design Puzzles
There were two in the display rack; a Kitchen model and a Coffee Shop model. Each box costs Php 44 and Php 25 separately.
As expected, she jumped with glee when I handed these to her and we spent the following morning playing with the puzzles together armed with scissors for my daughter and a retractable cutter for me (and a cup of coffee).
The puzzles are made of paper cardboard with easy-to-follow instructions despite not knowing any Japanese.
As soon as my kid got hold of the puzzle, she was too excited to detach and disassemble everything. Here she learned the Value of Patience and Organization Skills.
We had to work as a team to build the model. My daughter learned the value of Teamwork and Communication.
Fine motor skills are required to be able to fold and form these fragile pieces as well as Constructive Problem-Solving, not only by following instructions but figuring out the best method in achieving the desired outcome.
Once we completed the kitchen, it wasn't a surprise when she asked to continue the coffee shop model building as well.
Indoor activities such as Lego bricks and model building, Dollhouse Play, and design puzzles such as these are efficient tools for children to develop a 3-dimensional understanding of form, space, and structure.
It increases their lateral thinking, creative problem-solving, fine motor skills, adventure, and experimentation while enhancing their focus and concentration. On top of it, I was able to spend quality time with my child as we both enjoyed the creative play together.
Laying plastic bricks and building walls all opened us up to the world of architecture and engineering when we were children. Setting up the interior of the dollhouse was my favorite part of the game while my playmates dressed up their Barbie dolls.
To be honest, I think I had more fun than my daughter did. Thank you for reading. Do you like similar design puzzles? Are you fond of building Lego as a child? What did you build?
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"I want to create spaces that tastefully marry function and aesthetics. I want to immerse myself in beauty not only by tangible objects but also by the unseen." -
Curiosity and imagination lead to unexpected experiences. Interested in Nature, Places, anything French, International Cuisine, and Architecture + Interior Design. Co-founder of Architecture + Design Community. Feel free to follow her, re-blog, and upvote if you enjoy her content.
Reference:
Benefits of Lego Play for Kids and Adults ad
