What is block play?
As an Early Childhood Educator, I have noticed that children gravitate to certain areas of the playroom more than other areas. One such place is the block area. It is always a pleasure to observe the children manipulating different shapes, sizes, and texture blocks as they build, knock down and rebuild their structures. So why is block play so important? Well, according to Dietze & Kashin 2019, “Blocks are one of the simplest yet most important play materials that we can offer children, they learn skills and knowledge through block play that set the foundation for later academic studies, such as science, math and problem-solving skills” (p. 252). So often we observe our children playing with blocks, building towers, or making elaborate structures and exhibiting pride in showing what they constructed.
The Importance of Block Play
Block play is important because “[It] enhances the children’s understanding of patterning, objects, forms, and systems. Blocks allow children to recreate the world around them as they see it and contribute to broadening children’s imagination, communication, and literacy skills” (Dietze & Kashin, 2019, p. 252, 253). Block play will look differently for each child, based on their age, development, and their abilities.
Stages of Block Play
Dietze and Kashin (2019) states:
Infant – “Transfer blocks from one hand to the other. Dumps blocks from containers and put blocks in their mouth.”
Toddler – “Transport blocks to various locations, put blocks into containers dumps blocks and they also begin to stack blocks.”
Preschooler – “Makes rows, towers, bridges, and enclosures. They name simple structures, begin to form patterns, and discusses what is being built.”
Kindergarten – “Incorporate rows, towers, bridges, enclosures and special forms and items such as ramps, doors, and gates into structures. They also incorporate literacy skills by adding signs and maps to their work. Their buildings are sophisticated and may be built over several play episodes.”
School Age – “Draws out or discusses with peers a plan for the complex structures. They may use a variety of blocks with accessories and each child may be assigned a specific role in the construction phase” (p. 259).
Diverse Block Materials
Providing a variety of blocks in different settings will offer diverse types of play experiences for children. Engaging children in diverse block play inside and outside encourages skill development and promotes learning. Blocks of different shapes, colours, textures and sizes will enhance children’s play. You can also add in different loose parts to extend the play.
References
Dietze, B. & Kashin, D. (2019). Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2nd ed.). Toronto, Canada: Pearson.