Where Are The Blue Blocks - Croatia

What is your organization’s name and where is it located?

Our organization’s name is Plavi svijet, or in translation – Blue World! It is located in Croatia, Europe.

Tell us a little bit about your organization!

Blue World is a creative organization that set its foundation in loose-part, unstructured play. We believe that quality play is extremely important for the growth and development of every child. In Blue World playroom, children can enjoy a creative play that enables intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Following these principles and children’s interests and play dynamics, Blue World is continually developing new educational programs through play, as well as organizing fun family events for children and their parents.

Does your country use/implement loose-part play differently from other parts of the world?

We haven’t noticed that Croatia uses loose-part play much differently from other parts of the world, but what we have noticed that this type of play is not that common among public children orientated attractions and programs (museums, playrooms etc.), as it is in kindergartens. Hence the lack of unstructured play in general, we have decided to spread a word about its importance and have been trying to implement it in all kinds of activities for children ever since.

How long has your organization had Imagination Playground Blocks?

Our organization has purchased their first Imagination Playground Blocks in 2019 and since then has used them as its foundations for children’s unstructured, free play.

How did the organization initially fund the Blocks?

The company Blue World implements the project “Innovative service – Creative Playroom Blue World“ and is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund through the Call for Project Proposals Innovations of newly established SMEs. Therefore, purchase of the Blocks is funded though this project.

How did the organization initially hear about Imagination Playground?

A friend of our founders saw the information about Imagination Playground on the Internet, and he shared it with them. It was a perfect fit for their business idea.

What are some examples of ways the organization uses the Blue Blocks?

Blue World organizes various activities for children with the Blue Blocks. It is initially founded as a creative playroom that offers daily play for children, but also organizes birthday parties with block play as their main activity. Playing is the best form of learning and that is exactly why in Blue World we also offer various thematically organized workshops that help children develop their creativity, basic STEM skills and learn how to express themselves. We offer workshops for children aged 2-3, 4-5, and 6+ years of age, based on topics that are crucial in preparing children for life: math, language and expression, creativity, and understanding basics of science.

What are the children’s favorite aspect of using the Blue Blocks?

Children’s favorite aspect of using the Blue Blocks is probably their versatility – the Blocks engage imaginative thinking and creativity. They don’t bond children to just one idea or solution, but encourage them to think ‘outside the box’, in creative and unconventional ways. In Blue World, everything is possible and children can be whoever they want to be – and we truly believe them!

What would you tell another organization that was considering purchasing Imagination Playground Blocks?

We would advise them to stop just considering – go for it! Imagination Playground blocks have so many benefits for children in every aspect of their development – physical, psychological, social. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to offer children (and their parents!) the simplest way of playing and getting an amazing result from it?

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the Blue Blocks?

From our experience, the best way to understand the value of Big Blue Blocks is to see and feel them live! Therefore, we are inviting companies and organizations in Central and Eastern Europe to contact us for a hands-on experience of Big Blue Blocks in our attractive playroom in Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Furthermore, we can set up our pop-up playground anywhere in Central and Eastern Europe!