Block Play

What is block play?

Block play involves building, stacking, arranging, and constructing with blocks of assorted shapes and sizes.
Block play can involve traditional wooden unit blocks, natural materials (tree “cookies” and sticks), large cardboard blocks, or smaller plastic blocks such as Magnatiles.
Block play can also involve accessories such as cars, people, or animal figurines.

Why is block play a part of our curriculum?

Blocks are the ultimate open-ended toy that engages children’s imagination and creativity.
Block play creates the foundation for mathematical reasoning as children explore measurement, comparison, patterns, numbers, symmetry, and balance.
Block play encourages problem solving as children experiment with different ways to realize their vision, and resilience when a building collapses.
Children practice social skills as they take turns with materials or collaborate with peers on a structure.
Block play helps develop spatial awareness and motor skills.

Examples of block play in our classrooms:

Children worked together to create a block structure that can support pumpkins without toppling over.
Children collaborated to build a series of structures and enclosures to house animal figurines.
Children studied pictures of actual buildings and worked to recreate them out of blocks.