BLOCKS...CREATE A STRONG FOUNDATION
BY JO BADER
If a child's "work" is to play, it is our responsibility as adults to provide our children with the best possible tools for play. Blocks are one of the ageless tools we can provide.
The characteristics of blocks are many. Hardwood is the most popular material, but they can also be found in foam, cardboard and plastic. There are three standard block sizes, tabletop (small), unit (medium) and hollow (large). Blocks can be natural wood tone, colored or patterned.
No matter what size, color, or texture we choose, we are providing children with the opportunity to create, to increase hand eye coordination, to discover the mathematical and scientific foundations of height, shape, weight, size and relationships. We are fostering the future builder, engineer, artist, writer, mathematician, the future adult.
Block play, like other play is developmental. Early block play consists of handling blocks, grasping, releasing, placing, carrying, all purposeful work for the youngest child.
Next, children will line up blocks making "trains" or towers. Knocking the trains or towers apart and rebuilding them provides practice in attaching blocks together.
Having mastered this step, children will build "bridges" where one block must be balanced upon two others. Mastering the art of balancing allows children to make simple buildings.
The addition of language to building allows the child to name, for example "the barn" or "the zoo."
With increased skill and practice more complex buildings will evolve - attached by road ways or fences.
Adding such props as animals, vehicles, people and trees will enrich and extend the use of your blocks enhancing the use of language and broadening the realm of your child's imagination.
Jo Bader is a valued staff member at Creative Learning Toys. She has extensive experience as a teacher of preprimary impaired (PPI) children.
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