Blocks are one of my favorite children’s toys. They are open ended and grow with the child. At our house, we have several sets of blocks that are each different, and at least one set is always in the toy rotation. We have two sets of traditional wooden blocks, megablocks, nesting blocks, stacking blocks, etc. One set isn’t enough because they are wonderfully educational toys!
Most children’s interest in blocks begin around the age of six months and lasts throughout the preschool years and into the early elementary school years. Children learn through manipulating and handling blocks. While most first think of block play as building mathematics, block play can have a tremendous impact on other disciplines as well. The following is only an abbreviated list.
Math
- size
- area
- shapes
- spacial awareness
- patterns
- etsimation
Science
- balance
- symetry
- weight
- height
- length
- order
- cause and effect
Literacy
- vocabulary
- dictating stories
- recalling stories
- using books as inspiration
Cognitive
- sequencing
- manipulation
- logical reasoning
- comparisions
Physical
- coordination
- fine motor development
- depth perception
- spacial awareness
Creative
- problem solving
- creative building
- sensory play
Social
- cooperation
- success
- failure
- negotiation
- problem solving
- compromise
For Further Reading Block Play for Preschoolers by Tiana Cowling What young Children Learn Through Play by Sean Brotherson Ph.D. Block Play: The Complete Guide to Learning and Playing With Blocks by Sharon MacDonald
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I am Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home mama of five! I am the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught range of levels, including preschool and college, and a little bit of just about everything in between. Right now, my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
Tricia says
May 28, 2013 at 12:11 pmMy young children love blocks as well! Great list for those that think “It’s just playing”! So much can be learned through blocks. Thanks for sharing!