This project, funded by the Froebel Trust, adopts a Froebelian approach to examine:

• How young children experience large 3D shapes that form part of their built, urban environment.  
• Changes that may occur in young children’s shape awareness when engaged in unit-block play constructions with a focus on representing large 3D shapes from their urban environment.   

It is a collaboration between Dr Penny Lawrence (UCL, PI), Dr Charis Voutsina (University of Southampton, Co-I), Community Playthings who make blocks, Bright Horizons Nurseries and John Hansard Gallery.

The research involves 3- and 4-year-old children and educators in a Southampton, UK, city centre nursery. The research activities take place inside and outside buildings in the nearby Guildhall square.

The project is innovative in its urban focus. We will produce an e-booklet for educators that will encourage Froebelian practice by showcasing communication and shape awareness e.g., outer and inner, unity and divisibility (Bruce 2021; Froebel 1986), as part of children’s lived experiences in their community and built environments.

The final report will be available to view on the Froebel Trust website and here in Spring 2027.