Blocks Rock!

In the early 1900s an educator named Caroline Pratt invented what are now referred to as Unit Blocks. These blocks were made from taking 1 block which would represent the primary block size (or one unit) and then additional blocks representing one fraction, or a multiple of the unit block. Pratt believed in providing open ended materials for young children and today some version of her unit blocks can be found in almost any preschool classroom any where.

So why are blocks so important? There are many skills children develop through block play. Blocks teach problem solving skills, math concepts and motor skills. Children must use logic and spacial awareness to plan their building projects. They must work together through the planning and construction. They learn symbolic thinking, using blocks to represent a person, or a house or a boat etc. They learn scientific skills as well, dealing with gravity and balance.

Blocks also provide an excellent opportunity for social interaction and language skills. Children learn to share, cooperate and work together. They may just be the perfect toy!

Whether you are in a preschool environment or at home in your play room, there are lots of ways you can make your block center more interesting and inviting.

First, make sure you are giving your children plenty of room. The only thing that should limit a child when they are playing with blocks should be their imagination. So push that coffee table out of the way. Move those shelves back. Give them room to create!

Next, from time to time add something new to your block area. One week you could add farm animals, the next match box cars, any thing that will spark the imagination. Blocks can represent ANYTHING. They can be a zoo or a spaceship or a train station or a doll house. Throw some new elements in and see what your kids come up with.

Think about rethinking your rules for clean up. Some children will spend a lot of time and a lot of planning when creating some of their block masterpieces. Consider letting them leave it up for a while. Or keep a camera handy so they can have record of all the cool things they have made.

If you would like to get your class or your family a new set of blocks but are short on funds, don't fret. Blocks can be expensive, but there are alternatives. These blocks below were made from sturdy card board boxes wrapped in contact paper.

Here, Bug is stacking granite tile samples.

Quirky momma from the Kids Activity Blog made her family tree blocks from...you got it...trees!

The possibilities are endless and the benefits are well worth the effort. Have fun with your blocks, and thanks for stopping by.