Blocks are Rich Building Materials for Learning

Blocks are ideal for children who wish to set the stage for dramatic play.
In a short time these blocks became a princess "Tangled" castle with a dressing room.
A hand made Christmas ornament became the big spider guarding the castle.

Blocks provide a wealth of learning activities which allow children to acquire important concepts in math and science. Block play helps children focus on concepts such as shapes, size, length, weight, numbers, classifications, color, depth, comparisons, counting, order, area, texture, gravity, balance and geometry.

Children also develop increasing fine motor control through block play. Children naturally begin using blocks as toddlers by toting and carrying them- strengthing their gross motor skills. As children develop, they are able to use blocks in increasing complex ways, building structures which require a great deal of fine motor control. Developing fine motor strength is important as it is needed for writing. Blocks provide opportunities for fine motor development which increase coordination, visual perception, spacial orientation, eye-hand coordination, balance and grading of movement (how hard or soft to touch and object).

Block building is important for cognitive development. As children experience the world around them, they form pictures in their minds of what they see. Playing with blocks gives them an opportunity to recreate these pictures in concrete form. The ability to create these representations of their experiences is an important skill necessary for abstract thinking.
Children can use the blocks to create endless play opportunities within their level of development and interests.

Children can use blocks alone or with others. When using blocks with others, they have the opportunity to strengthen their social skills. Through shared block play children learn how to respect different viewpoints, develop problem solving skills and understand the benefits of cooperation.

Parents and teachers can stimulate play and creativity by asking questions and adding new props to enrich children play experiences. Be sure to allow your child to lead play since play is always child directed. Ask a few open-ended questions, being sure not to overwhelm or distract them with a battery of questions and language lessons. 

Unit blocks are special blocks, usually made of wood, designed at a 1:2:4 ratio.

While unit blocks are expensive, they are a great investment for families and child care providers as they can be used for most of childhood, are versatile and offer endless learning opportunities.

Our Choices for Children Resource Libraries have a variety of blocks available for loan. Give us a call or come by your nearest CFC office to see what we have available.

Extending block play

• Once children are starting to build structures, give them creative materials to add complexity such as river rocks, leaves, sticks, flowers, fabric, paper, berry baskets, paper towel tubes, pipe cleaners, etc.
• Take pictures of their block creations and write down their story. Begin by asking, "Tell me about what you made."
• Create a block idea book with pictures of their structures.
• Put pictures of buildings in the block area or with the blocks.
• Add paper, pencils, and tape so children can make signs.
• Help them solve design problems by asking questions. "I notice that the block keeps falling when you put the big one on top. How can you make the bottom stronger?"

Ages and Stages for Block Play

• Infants- offer soft blocks, light plastic blocks, blocks with texture. They will mouth, touch, grasp, and maybe even throw them.
• Toddlers- offer soft blocks, cardboard blocks, colored blocks, pattern blocks, paper baga blocks, foam blocks. They will stack them, knock them down, and carry them around.
• Preschoolers- offer them wooden blocks of varying sizes, unit blocks, cardboard blocks, colored blocks, pattern blocks, interlocking blocks, and props such as animals, transporation toys, and people. They will start to build structures and enclosures.
• School age- offer a large number of varied materials for detailed construction and for creating models, construction sets with interlocking pieces.