When you think of “design thinking,” you might picture tech startups or product engineers sketching out their next big idea. But at its core, design thinking is simply a creative problem-solving process that includes building, testing, failing, and trying again. And guess what? Kids do this naturally through play—especially when they’re given the freedom to experiment with tools like jumbo building blocks.
For kids, learning how to build, break, and rebuild is more than just fun. It’s a powerful way to develop cognitive flexibility and resilience. Let’s explore how open-ended play with jumbo building blocks for kids can help shape a growth mindset and set them up for lifelong learning.
Why Failure is a Feature, Not a Flaw
Children are often perfectionists in the best way. They want their block tower to reach the ceiling, their rocket ship to look just right. So when something doesn’t work out, it can feel like the end of the world. But here’s the secret: that moment of failure is the perfect launchpad for real growth.
Design thinking teaches kids that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. By encouraging children to break and rebuild, we help them see mistakes as opportunities to try something new.
Open-Ended Play Builds Creative Confidence
One of the best things about jumbo blocks is that they don’t come with instructions. That means there’s no “wrong” way to play—only different ways to explore and create. This kind of open-ended play invites kids to:
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Try out ideas without fear of getting it wrong
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Think critically about how to improve their designs
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Adapt quickly when things fall apart (literally!)
By simply giving them a pile of blocks and the freedom to build whatever they want, you’re helping them flex their problem-solving muscles and tap into a creative mindset.
The “Build It Wrong” Challenge
Here’s a fun activity you can try at home or in the classroom: challenge your child to build something wrong on purpose. It sounds strange, but it works wonders.
Instructions:
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Ask your child to build a bridge that definitely won’t hold up.
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Have them test it and watch it fail.
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Then ask: “Why didn’t it work? What could make it better?”
This turns failure into a learning moment. It’s a safe, playful way to explore what happens when things go wrong—and how to fix them.
Rebuilding Better: Growth Mindset in Action
After the initial collapse, invite your child to rebuild the structure with what they’ve learned. This is where design thinking really shines. They’re not just building blocks; they’re building resilience, persistence, and self-confidence.
You might hear things like:
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“Next time, I’ll use a wider base.”
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“Maybe if I stack these differently, it won’t fall.”
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“Let’s try again!”
These are the voices of a growth mindset in action. And every rebuild is proof that kids are learning to think like designers: observing, tweaking, and improving without fear.
Why Jumbo Building Blocks Work So Well
When it comes to encouraging design thinking in young kids, extra large building blocks are the perfect tool:
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Big pieces are easy for small hands to manipulate.
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Quick feedback helps kids see results fast (whether something stands or topples).
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Safe and sturdy design makes them perfect for trial and error without frustration.
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Versatility means endless build-and-break possibilities, from towers to creatures to imaginary machines.
Plus, they offer the freedom to fail safely, which is essential for developing resilience.
How Parents and Educators Can Help
You don’t have to step in with all the answers. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Try these tips instead:
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Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen?” or “How could you change it?”
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Celebrate effort over outcome with praise like “I love how you kept trying.”
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Give time and space for kids to experiment, fail, and try again on their own.
Build, Break, Repeat
Design thinking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a life skill. By encouraging kids to build, break, and rebuild with jumbo building blocks, we’re giving them a foundation that goes far beyond playtime. With Biggo Blocks, we’re nurturing creative thinkers who aren’t afraid to fail, who ask questions, and who come back stronger every time.
So go ahead. Let them knock it down. The rebuild is where the magic happens.
