Building Site Talk
To develop positional and descriptive language through construction play.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Uses positional language
- Describes constructions
- Talks about what they are making
- Responds to open questions about play
Materials
- Wooden blocks in various shapes and sizes
- Duplo or large construction bricks
- Hard hats and high-visibility vests
- Photos of real buildings and structures
Instructions
Play alongside children and narrate: 'You're putting the long block on top! Now it's really tall! I'm putting my block next to yours—look, they're side by side.'
Ask open questions: 'What are you building? Who lives there? How will they get inside?' to stimulate descriptive and imaginative language.
Introduce positional vocabulary naturally: 'The red block is under the blue one. Can you put one behind the tower? What about in front?'
When structures fall, use it as a language opportunity: 'Oh no, it fell down! What happened? The tower was too wobbly! Shall we try again? How can we make it stronger?'