GIPS Building Blocks: Encouraging Creativity Through Construction Play

Ankenstein educational toys for creative children take an approach that combines play, learning, and creative design. A play concept has been developed that actively involves children in the manufacturing process and allows them to experience materials, shapes, and colors for themselves. The focus is not on the finished result, but on the journey to get there: from casting the bricks to painting them to free or guided building. It is precisely this process that makes the toys for creative children educationally interesting and versatile.

Educational toys with a focus on fine motor skills and creativity

Ankenstein's educational toys specifically target basic skills that play an important role in early childhood. Measuring water and plaster powder, carefully filling the silicone molds, and later removing the stones from the molds continuously promotes fine motor skills. At the same time, handling wet or freshly dried building blocks requires a feel for material properties and care. In addition to motor skills, creativity is also a key focus. Children decide for themselves whether they want to make natural-colored stones or experiment with food coloring during the casting process. Alternatively, the finished bricks can be decorated later with ink or other paints. This open approach makes the educational toy particularly flexible for creative children and appeals to a wide range of interests – from children who are good with their hands to those with a strong creative urge.

Playful learning through making your own building blocks

A key feature of the Ankenstein system is that the building blocks do not come ready-made out of the packaging. Instead, children make their own building blocks. Casting from a silicone mold with plaster and water is deliberately kept simple so that children aged five and up can understand the process and carry it out independently. After a short drying time, the result is sturdy, pleasantly smooth bricks that can be used immediately. This manufacturing process teaches fundamental concepts: materials change, mixing ratios influence the result, and patience is part of the game. This educational toy goes beyond classic building and becomes a learning experience that teaches the basics of science and craftsmanship in a playful way.

Spatial thinking and building with special brick shapes

The special wave shape of Ankenstein building blocks distinguishes the system from classic rectangular building blocks. In order to build stable structures, the blocks must be correctly aligned and combined in a meaningful way. This specifically addresses spatial thinking. Children learn to rotate and mirror shapes and to plan ahead before placing additional blocks. Both building according to instructions and free construction are possible. While instructions offer security and guidance, free building promotes independent thinking and problem-solving skills. The educational toy for creative children thus allows for different learning paths without imposing rigid guidelines.

Use in kindergarten and elementary school

The play concept was well received in practical trials in kindergartens and elementary schools. Educational professionals confirm that the toy can be easily integrated into everyday life – both in free play phases and in guided learning activities. Particular emphasis is placed on the combination of motor skills development, creative work, and social learning when children work together to make bricks and implement building projects. Typical uses include:

• Promoting fine motor skills through pouring, painting, and building
• Creative projects with colors, shapes, and your own building ideas
• Group work to strengthen social skills
• Introduction to spatial thinking and simple construction principles

Educational toy for creative children with an open play concept

The Ankenstein system does not follow a rigid play goal. Children can follow given building ideas or experiment completely freely. This is precisely where the strength of this educational toy for creative children lies: it adapts to the children's stage of development and interests. Younger children focus on making and simple stacking, while older children plan and implement more complex structures.

The combination of craftsmanship, creative design, and constructive building results in a toy that can be used for a long time and always offers new play ideas. This makes Ankenstein an educational toy that not only entertains, but also supports sustainable learning processes and encourages children to implement their own ideas.