Kapla facts for kids
Kapla is a popular construction set that both kids and adults enjoy. It's made up of many identical wooden planks. These planks are special because they have a unique size ratio: 15 parts long, 3 parts wide, and 1 part thick. This special size helps builders create things like roofs, floors, and doorways. Kapla blocks are famous for being very stable, even without glue or connectors! You can build amazing structures just by stacking them carefully.
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What Does Kapla Mean?
The name "KAPLA" comes from a Dutch phrase. It's short for "kabouter plankjes." This means "Gnome Planks" in English.
The Story of Kapla
KAPLA was created in 1987 by a Dutchman named Tom van der Bruggen. Tom studied art history and always dreamed of building a castle. He found an old farm in the South of France. He decided to turn this farm into his dream castle, complete with towers and fountains.
To help him plan his castle, Tom used wooden blocks. But he soon realized that regular blocks weren't good enough. They couldn't help him build the special parts like roofs or doorways. This challenge inspired him to create the unique Kapla planks!
How Kapla Works
You don't need any glue, screws, or clips to build with Kapla. Each plank is simply placed on top of another. They stay in place just by their weight and careful balance.
There are three main ways to use Kapla planks:
- Flat on their widest side
- On their narrow side
- Standing straight up (vertically)
You can also create different kinds of structures:
- Embedding: Stacking planks like bricks.
- Stacking: Building things like spiral stairs.
Kapla is designed to help kids build, create, and experiment safely. It encourages you to use your imagination!
Types of Kapla Sets
KAPLA planks are made from pine wood. You can find them in many different colors. They are sold in sets that range from 40 pieces to 1000 pieces.
Building and Art with Kapla
KAPLA has created special art books. These books are made to inspire children who use their blocks. They help kids learn about geometry, physics, and technology. The books also introduce children to the world of art, shapes, and forms. They are designed to help kids understand how challenging and rewarding building can be.
