On Friday, 23rd September, pupils from St Michael’s School, Aldbourne participated in a KAPLA workshop. All children from Reception to Year 5 took part in the workshop run by Jennifer Norie of KaplaClubs. The children created all kinds of structures which were then exhibited to parents at the end of the day.
Teacher Jane Godfrey explains the concepts behind KAPLA and what happened in the workshop. “Invented by Dutchman Tom van der Bruggen in 1987, KAPLA is a safe, educational wooden construction toy that can be equally enjoyed by children and adults. The perfect ratio of 1:3:5 makes the plank ideal for building all kinds of structures, including monumental constructions! KAPLA encourages logical thinking, stimulates creativity and helps develop concentration, patience and perseverence. It is also a great STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) resource for all ages. KAPLA is used in schools all around the world for a hands on learning approach.
Jennifer Norie of KaplaClubs led each class through an age appropriate but challenging construction using thousands and thousands of planks but no glue or clips – just the simple laws of physics holding everything together! The workshop rounded off a whole school project focused on the book ‘What We’ll Build’ by Oliver Jeffers which allowed the children to explore what we can accomplish as a team.
At the end of the day, the children proudly shared the jaw-dropping exhibition with their parents before staying to help ‘demolish’ their handiwork.”
Judith Arkwright, headteacher, said, “All the children were so engaged and worked with patience, care and perseverance on the fabulous constructions. We have all been so inspired by the concept of KAPLA and have even purchased some for the school so that the children can continue to explore this wonderful product!”
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