5 Fun Learning Activities Using Duplo Blocks

Kids grow up very fast and outgrow their toys much faster. Before giving them away, I love to upcycle them in as many possible ways Even kids love to go back to their old toys when presented in altogether a different way.

In this article, I would be presenting 4 fun ways to upcycle the Duplo Blocks or any other stacking blocks your child might have. I would be using some colorful DOT Stickers along with these colourful blocks to introduce counting, logic skills and few pattern activities while they exercise their motor skills.

All these activities are handmade, so just grab a simple  pen, white paper  and dot stickers along with our colourful blocks.

1. Numbers  Recognition

• Add one dot sticker each on every block and label them with a sequence of numbers (1-10,skip by 2 counting etc.)
• Ask the child to stack the blocks as per the sequence of dot stickers.
• These dot stickers can be easily peeled off to change/upgrade the activity.

2. Make the Shape – Logical Thinking & Spatial Intelligence

For a toddler, start with basic shapes of Square & Rectangle

Give the child 2 Blocks

1. Ask the child to make a Square

Solution —  He needs to stack it

2. Ask the Child to make a Rectangle

Solution – He needs to put them side by side

Give the child 4 Blocks

1. Ask the child to make a Square

Solution —  He needs to put them in 2 rows and 2 columns.

2. Ask the Child to make a Rectangle

Solution – He needs to put them side by side or stack in pair of twos.

• The same concept can be further extended to more complex levels as per the age of child.
• I have used the “2 by 2” blocks but you can use any size block.
• The count of blocks will change as per the size of block you choose
• It introduces the structure of shapes in more concrete and hands on way to a child along with enhancing the visual mapping process of the mind.

3. Follow the Code – Logical  Sequencing and Memory Game

• Choose the Dot stickers as per the colour of available blocks.
• The image shows a simple code made with dot stickers and the child needs to stack the blocks to match the code Dot stickers.
• To increase the complexity, it can be used as Memory game where the child will be shown the Code card for few minutes and then would be removed.
• The child would need to remember the code and build the stack using her memory.

4. Complete the Pattern

• Use different colours of blocks and create simplest to complex patterns as per the learning stage of the child.
• Ask the child to extend the pattern or make the same pattern with blocks.

5. Count & Match

• I have used hand written number cards and the child needs to stack the blocks to match the number card
• Stacking the blocks helps the child to visually interpret the difference between the numbers e.g the NUMBER 5 Stack is Bigger than NUMBER 2 stack. Thus, Number 5 is bigger than number 2.
• This activity can be further extended to introduction of “Greater than” or “ Less Than” or “Equal” concept to the child.

These activities can be made more complex or simpler as per the child’s requirement. For example, instead of practicing the counting, we can use it for sequencing alphabets, making CVC spellings. So, let’s go and upcycle the blocks kept in the corner and surprise your child.

Happy parenting everyone!!

Disclaimer: All photographs in this article are original and belong to the author. Reproducing them in any form without the permission of the author will not be allowed.

Also read: Fun Ways Of Teaching Shapes To Tiny Tots

Explore the entire collection of articles: Early Learning & Brain Development

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