Starting a new series called "why play matters". We'll discuss how play helps kids build better brains, fine tune motor skills, learn mathematics and learn how to be creative (just to name a few).
So let's start with what many child development specialist would call the foundational toy and play tool. Unit blocks are found in any great Kindergarten classroom and should be a part of every home toy box. Here is a quick little list of what kids learn from playing with blocks...
1. exploration of sizes, weights, shapes, distances and proportions
2. mathematical concepts (bigger than, smaller than)
3. counting, sorting, classifying, matching
4. experimentation, manipulation, problem solving
5. stimulation of imagination and creativity
6. small and large muscle development
7. coordination of muscles (lifting, bending, reaching)
8. hand eye coordination
9. learning a sense of balance
10. visual spacial awareness
(1)
Unit blocks are a standardized size (5.5 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 1.375 inches thick). They help teach proportions because they consist of full blocks, 1/2 size blocks, 1/4 size blocks and so forth. Studies support that "a child’s ability to create complex block constructions can predict mathematical ability". (2) Next time you see a child playing with blocks, take some time to observe. You can almost see the little gears moving in their heads.
(sources: 1. http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=p532328728k14235&size=largest 2. http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/resources/articles/block-play-math-literacy.html)
Friday, August 26
Why Play Matters: Blocks
Starting a new series called "why play matters". We'll discuss how play helps kids build better brains, fine tune motor skills, learn mathematics and learn how to be creative (just to name a few).
So let's start with what many child development specialist would call the foundational toy and play tool. Unit blocks are found in any great Kindergarten classroom and should be a part of every home toy box. Here is a quick little list of what kids learn from playing with blocks...
1. exploration of sizes, weights, shapes, distances and proportions
2. mathematical concepts (bigger than, smaller than)
3. counting, sorting, classifying, matching
4. experimentation, manipulation, problem solving
5. stimulation of imagination and creativity
6. small and large muscle development
7. coordination of muscles (lifting, bending, reaching)
8. hand eye coordination
9. learning a sense of balance
10. visual spacial awareness
(1)
Unit blocks are a standardized size (5.5 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 1.375 inches thick). They help teach proportions because they consist of full blocks, 1/2 size blocks, 1/4 size blocks and so forth. Studies support that "a child’s ability to create complex block constructions can predict mathematical ability". (2) Next time you see a child playing with blocks, take some time to observe. You can almost see the little gears moving in their heads.
(sources: 1. http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=p532328728k14235&size=largest 2. http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/resources/articles/block-play-math-literacy.html)
