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| Kare'n' 4 Kids |
| Block Play |
When children build with blocks, they learn math concepts such as the number of blocks that fill a certain
rectangles). When they lift, shove, stack, and move blocks, they explore weight and size. Each time they use
blocks, children are making decisions about how to build a structure or solve a construction problem.
Children often use blocks to recreate the world around them--a road, a house, the zoo. They work together
language development. I also talk with children and ask questions to expand on their block play. For
example, I might say:
These questions and comments make children more aware of what they are doing and encourage them to try
out new ideas.
What You Can Do At Home
You can encourage your child to learn through block play by taking an interest in what he or she does at
childcare. When you take a walk in your neighborhood, point out roads and interesting buildings. You may
want to purchase table blocks, colored wooden cube blocks, or cardboard brick blocks to have at home. You
can also make a set out of milk cartons, which come in different sizes. Store them in shoeboxes or plastic
tubs and containers and put a picture and written label on the container so your child knows where these
materials belong.
Identify a place where your child can build and play with the blocks safely. Props such as clothespins, small
plastic animals, and cars and trucks will extend your child’s play and inspire new ideas. The settings your
child creates can be used for pretend play as well.
Adapted from “The Creative Curriculum” for Preschool” ®
rectangles). When they lift, shove, stack, and move blocks, they explore weight and size. Each time they use
blocks, children are making decisions about how to build a structure or solve a construction problem.
Children often use blocks to recreate the world around them--a road, a house, the zoo. They work together
language development. I also talk with children and ask questions to expand on their block play. For
example, I might say:
- I see you built a tall office building. How do the people get to their floor?
- Where do people park their cars when they come to visit the shopping center?
- Would you like to make a sign for your building?
These questions and comments make children more aware of what they are doing and encourage them to try
out new ideas.
What You Can Do At Home
You can encourage your child to learn through block play by taking an interest in what he or she does at
childcare. When you take a walk in your neighborhood, point out roads and interesting buildings. You may
want to purchase table blocks, colored wooden cube blocks, or cardboard brick blocks to have at home. You
can also make a set out of milk cartons, which come in different sizes. Store them in shoeboxes or plastic
tubs and containers and put a picture and written label on the container so your child knows where these
materials belong.
Identify a place where your child can build and play with the blocks safely. Props such as clothespins, small
plastic animals, and cars and trucks will extend your child’s play and inspire new ideas. The settings your
child creates can be used for pretend play as well.
Adapted from “The Creative Curriculum” for Preschool” ®
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