Standard wooden blocks, also called unit blocks, such as the ones available from Dr. Drews Blocks, have long been a staple in block centers, but they don't have to be the only ingredient. Today, unit blocks come in all shapes and sizes and are made from a variety of materials
All block center manipulatives should:
encourage open ended play,
develop hand-eye coordination,
develop gross & fine motor skills,
encourage language skills,
require thought/concentration & assembly
When to begin block play
Believe it or not, the perfect age for block play is 6 months- 2 years old. But any early childhood educator will tell you that kids love block centers and will continue to play with them well past the age of 2. Few toys have the longevity of blocks so parents should feel comfortable investing in quality block center toys for their home.
Stages of block play
Infants and toddlers enjoy exploring blocks through touch and even taste. Soft or textured blocks fit the bill for tiny curious hands (and mouths.)
Toddlers practice gripping, transferring, stacking or lining up blocks; further developing their fine motor skills. Two-year olds may demonstrate their first attempts at building structures, and show the beginnings of fantasy play.
Around the ages of two to three, children learn how to balance and fit pieces together to build sturdier and more intricate structures. Fantasy or dramatic play may be incorporated.
Threes and fours begin to easily recognize patterns and designs and become more creative in their efforts.
Kindergarten and first graders do all of the above but also may recreate items found in everyday life.
Benefits of block play
The most obvious benefit of block play is developing hand-eye coordination and improving fine motor skills through the manipulation of blocks. But there are other benefits too, such as:
Social
Block centers are a wonderful way to encourage children to play together, share, and cooperate.
Intellectual
Blocks serve in the development of many academic skills. Through block play children develop their vocabulary as they describe sizes, shapes, and positions; develop math skills through grouping and counting, and even have an opportunity to explore physics, and geometry!
Creative
Children enjoy building, tearing down and recreating their own unique creations and designs. In doing so they develop self esteem and confidence through open-ended play, since the possibilities are limited only by their imagination.
Products to consider for your block center:
Block Play by Sharon MacDonald
Building Structures with Young Children by Ingrid Chalufour
Montessori resources
Lego Smart Creativity contest
Homeschool catalogs & resource list
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