You've explained that blocks are for building. A child looks at you, picks one up and throws it again.
Before assuming they're ignoring you, I would want to know what happens just before the throwing and what the child appears to get from it.
What might be happening underneath the throwing?
Sometimes children are exploring a trajectory play schema. They are interested in how things move through space, what happens when something falls and how far it travels.
Other times, throwing happens when children feel overwhelmed, frustrated, excited or unable to communicate what they need.
That doesn't mean we allow unsafe throwing. It means we provide clear boundaries while being curious about what the child is learning or finding difficult.
Let's make this practical
What could you try tomorrow?
Choose a situation and turn the card over to reveal a practical idea.
IDEA 1The child loves throwing everythingCould this be trajectory play?Reveal the strategy
Try a basket of soft balls or beanbags with a clearly marked target. Let the child explore distance, direction and force in a safe area. Keep firm boundaries around throwing hard objects.
Close strategyIDEA 2The throwing starts during pack-upWhat could you change about the routine?Reveal the strategy
Observe whether the child finds stopping, waiting or changing activities difficult. Try a short warning, a predictable transition and one manageable job rather than repeated instructions.
Close strategyIDEA 3The child throws when another child approachesWhat might they need help communicating?Reveal the strategy
Notice whether they are protecting their space, struggling to share materials or becoming overwhelmed. Model a simple request and support the interaction before it escalates.
Close strategyThe most useful question isn't just 'How do we stop the throwing?' It's 'What is happening before it, and what could we teach or offer instead?'
WATCH ROBYN EXPLAIN
Let's look at this in practice
I've shared a short video on Instagram exploring this area of children's development and everyday practice.
If the video doesn't load here, select Watch on Instagram.
Always prioritise safety. Persistent behaviours that put children at risk may require collaborative planning with the family and appropriate support professionals.
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR TEAM
Want more ideas for your kindergarten?
I have professional learning and practical resources covering this topic, alongside movement, play, sensory development, regulation and learning readiness.
If your educators are experiencing similar challenges, my free PD Needs Check can help identify two professional learning sessions relevant to your team.
Two live, 30-minute staff meeting webinars are currently available for $850 including GST under the early-booking offer.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Ask me about your kindergarten's challenges
If something in this article sounds familiar, you're welcome to send me a quick message. Tell me what your team is noticing, and I'll read your question personally.
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