Twenty-four invitations to design, build and adapt with autumn materials, plus four reusable process cards. The pictures suggest materials and actions. Welcome children’s own buildings, solutions and stories; there is no finished model they need to copy.

Using the challenges

Place one or two cards with a choice of suitable materials. Read the invitation aloud when useful. “Wonder” is an optional question to share when it fits the play; model the vocabulary through talk, gestures or signs. Children can build, point, explain, direct a partner or photograph an idea. They do not need to read the cards or record an answer.

Use toy animals, model trees and a pretend harvest. Offer blocks, short smooth sticks, bark, leaves, wood slices, cardboard, cloth, trays and suitable joining materials. Introduce an extra material or a changed problem when it helps the child pursue an idea. Keep familiar construction resources available alongside the autumn additions.

Plan it then try it

PLAN IT → BUILD IT → TEST IT → CHANGE IT

Display the four process cards together or choose the one that helps now. Planning can be talking, drawing, pointing or arranging materials. Agree what the building needs to do, try it gently, notice what happens and change a part. Children may move back and forth between the steps; this is a way to support play, not a fixed sequence to complete.

Adapt to the children

Primarily for Preschool and Reception. For toddlers, offer large lightweight pieces, one simple action and close adult support. Use fewer materials, wider stable bases and easy-to-grip joins where useful. Provide reachable floor or table space. Watching, choosing materials or directing an adult are valid ways to take part. Extend by changing a material, size or purpose, rather than always building higher.

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