Engineering is all about designing and building things. While toddlers may be too young to tackle complex engineering projects, there are plenty of ways to introduce basic engineering concepts through play. Engineering encourages problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that will benefit toddlers developmentally.
Start by providing simple building toys like blocks, Lego Duplo, or Magna-Tiles. Building towers and other structures teaches engineering principles like balance and stability. Let toddlers explore these toys freely, allowing their natural curiosity to guide them. Resist the urge to show them exactly how to build something. Instead, ask open-ended questions like “I wonder how high you can make that tower before it falls over?” This allows them to experiment and learn through trial and error.
Introduce toys and materials that allow toddlers to design solutions to problems.
Introduce toys and materials that allow toddlers to design solutions to problems. For example, provide tubes, funnels, balls, and blocks, and challenge them to create a “rollercoaster” that moves a ball from top to bottom. Use a picture book about using different materials to build a bridge as inspiration for them to build bridges out of cardboard, popsicle sticks, and other household items.
Get toddlers thinking about the properties of different materials.
Get toddlers thinking about the properties of different materials. Provide a variety of items like wood, plastic, metal, fabric, and sponges. Encourage them to explore the textures, weight, and flexibility of each material. Ask questions like “Which of these materials do you think would be best to build a house? Why?”
Simple STEM kits made for toddlers can also introduce engineering play. Look for kits that are open-ended rather than having a specific end goal. Subscription services like KiwiCo Crates are a great option. Themes like ramps, gears, magnets, and circuits expose toddlers to foundational engineering concepts without being too complex.
The key is allowing toddlers to direct their own engineering explorations through play.
The key is allowing toddlers to direct their own engineering explorations through play. Follow their lead in what interests them, provide open-ended materials to spark creativity, and ask probing questions to get them thinking critically. Engineering play encourages problem-solving, resilience, and discovery—skills that will serve toddlers well now and in the future.
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