beyond basic building blocks :: teaching kids architecture through STEAM play

My kids love to build. Most days this summer, some type of building block is out before we’ve even started breakfast. But I’ve noticed that my older kids need a little more than the magnetic blocks or legos that my 4-year-old uses. They like to be extremely creative and enjoy pieces with different shapes and uses. And I like to see them exploring a bit deeper with building. So I was so excited to discover ARCKIT.

ARCKIT architectural sets are designed for anyone to use to be able to bring ideas to life.  In fact, while there are plenty of sets for older children and teens, the idea came from an architect who wanted something tangible to work with when designing and sharing ideas.  They are made from click and connect pieces so it’s easy to change your mind and move things around to test out different plans.  Even adults are using ARCKIT sets to make models of their design ideas!
My kids have been using the ARCKIT GO Colour kit shown here.  Notice all the pieces (175!) that come with this kit!  I love the interactive animated instructions right on the website.  Sometimes it’s hard to make a 3D model from 2D directions so these directions helped the kids several times when they weren’t quite sure where to put a piece.  Both of my older kids loved working with a different style of building material. I’d say the age recommendation of 10 and up is about right if your child is one who has experience following directions and building.  It was a little tricky for my 9-year-old at first, even though I’d consider him to be a spatial thinker.  I might even bump that age up a bit–definitely a good option for tweens and early teens. Notice how different the pieces are than a typical building toy!

Little do my kids know that while they’re having fun, they’re also learning!  Since ARCKIT kits are based on a 1.2M/4ft. scale and use architectural components, they are experimenting with design and architecture all in our playroom.  I love it when my kids get in some true STEAM learning with little to no effort on my part. Definitely a win there!  ARCKIT is even used as a classroom tool to teach design techniques!  And since there are add-on components and lots of other kit options, my kids are able to change up their buildings or make completely new ones.  I love that I can add on to our current set so that ARCKIT can grow with my kids as they get older.  Check out some of the options from ARCKIT!