I went back and forth trying to decide if I should include block play this month, and in the end I decided that there is just so many good things about it, that I couldn’t leave it out.
Here’s why:
- Research has shown that children who often play with blocks will do better in math, have better spatial skills, and are better at problem solving.
- It promotes language development.
- They develop skills such as stacking, piling, grouping, and sorting
- They learn about gravity and balance
- Good for both fine and large motor skills
- Great for creativity.
- Builds hand-eye coordination and visual perception
- If working in a group, they learn collaboration, turn-taking, and sharing
- Wonderful for enhancing make-believe play
- Builds attention span, ability to concentrate, and problem solve.
A child can start stacking one block on top of another around 12 months of age. They quickly become more advanced with their block play as they age. By the time they are preschoolers they can make large towers and build buildings. Infants can enjoy blocks as well. They won’t stack them, but they can knock them over and bang them together.
No child is too young (or old) to play with blocks!
Activity #13: Play with Blocks!
I don’t usually ask that anyone run out any buy toys because I think some of the best toys are items in your own home. However, I’m going to suggest that if you don’t have blocks in your house to get some. Regular wooden blocks, big cardboard blocks, foam blocks, even stacking cups count…it doesn’t matter, they are all excellent! Every child needs a good set of blocks!
Take today and spend a few minutes playing blocks with your child. Help the young ones stack them up and knock them down. Follow along with the older children as they build castles or entire cities. Laugh with them as they build large towers just to knock them down! Oh, the fun that can happen through playing with blocks!
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