Kid Construction - Beyond Blocks

   We love blocks! Building works on fine motor skills, hones critical thinking and, most importantly, it's just a lot of fun. But even the most ardent builders can get bored with just one material. Lucky for us there are so many other options - and most are probably already lying around your house, just waiting to be put to a new use!

* Plastic plates, cups and bowls  {Learn with Play at Home}

* Plastic cups and and index cards  {All for the Boys}

* Straws and pipe cleaners 

* Paper cups (empty apple sauce or yogurt containers work great too!)

* Packing peanuts and pipe cleaners (how's that for alliteration?!)

* Marshmallows and tooth picks (or use grapes for a healthier alternative - because you just know there is going to be some taste-testing going on!) 

* Blocks and play dough {Learn with Play at Home} - great for junior construction site fans!

* Calling all recylables!  Go through the recycle bin and see what can be made with your findings! (Egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and cardboard boxes of all kinds are a great place to start!)

* Styrofoam and craft sticks {And Next Comes L} 

* Chunky blocks (AKA pool noodles cut into blocks). The bonus on this one (for parents at least!) is that they don't make noise when they tumble down. (It's one of the activities in our 99 Fine Motor Ideas book - check it out. Yes, shameless self-promotion going on!)

* If you have some extra time to invest, try these creative paper blocks from Babble Dabble Do:

* Cardboard construction set {Meaningful Mama}

* Straws and toilet paper rolls {Frugal Fun 4 Boys}