The construction area is a very popular area in Aistear among the children. It can be hard to find resources for this area so here are a few ideas.
Firstly, it is important to establish the construction area in your classroom. If you are fortunate to have space within the classroom to create a construction area then I would add a display with words specific to the construction area. Twinkl have a great downloadable resource for a construction area (subscription required). Find the resource by clicking here.
To establish the construction area I find you need larger construction toys. Ideally larger than lego blocks or other blocks used within small world. Initially I purchased a Giant Jenga set and the class loved it. They made tables and chairs for the three little pigs with the Giant Jenga. I also managed to purchase a set of Melissa and Doug Jumbo Cardboard Blocks second hand and these were also a great addition to the construction area.
Never underestimate the power of a post-it and fancy pens and pencils within the construction area. During the restaurant theme one group created a restaurant with separate kitchen. They used the post-its to label the different areas and to make little signs for the restaurant too. Free writing can be encouraged in many areas of Aistear.
I always have a look out for resources for Aistear, even now when I am in the Senior Classes I am still looking for bargains for Aistear resources. Recently my school purchased the giant polydrons and I have to admit I was a little jealous. However, when they were delivered I helped to unpack them and actually sat and built different things with them, just to check they were OK of course. Nexus stock the Giant Polydrons and you can find them here.
If you have any questions on this blog post or on any resources I used in Aistear please send me a PM.
A.M.
Aistear Múinteoir 