Researchers wanted to know whether structured constructive play—building with blocks, creating with materials, solving spatial puzzles—could help nursery-aged children develop deeper, more stable interest in learning, rather than the fleeting curiosity most parents notice (fascination with insects one week, dinosaurs the next).
The study followed 180 preschool children over 12 weeks. One group participated in a constructive-play program; the other continued with traditional preschool activities.
Building blocks boost children's love of learning
The results were striking. Children in the constructive-play group showed significant improvements across four areas: overall learning interest jumped from 56.8 to 71.9 points, self-directed curiosity nearly doubled (52.4 to 69.6), problem-solving strategies improved from 54.8 to 70.4, and attention and persistence grew from 56.9 to 69.8. The control group showed minimal changes, and these differences were statistically significant—not due to chance.
Play strengthens the skills your child needs for formal learning
In Singapore's education landscape, there's often pressure to start formal academics early. This research reframes the question: rather than asking "when should my child start letters and numbers?", consider how to build your child's capacity to learn independently and persist through challenges. Children with strong learning interest and problem-solving strategies are better positioned to tackle formal academics when developmentally ready—and to actually enjoy the process. This approach also aligns with Singapore's 2023 Early Childhood Development Framework, which emphasises play-based learning and self-directed exploration.
How to strengthen your child's learning mindset at home
- Provide open-ended building materials (blocks, Lego, cardboard) without instructions—let your child direct the activity.
- Introduce spatial puzzles and shape-sorting activities that encourage problem-solving at their own pace.
- Step back during play; resist the urge to show "the right way"—your child's curiosity and trial-and-error are doing the learning work.