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Blocks are perhaps one of the most versatile toys out there.

They come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours and this makes them the ideal tool to teach new skills and reinforce the old ones, like numeracy. Use them to teach sequencing, patterning, comparing, measurement, fractions, symmetry and so much more!

Block play encourages growth and development in many other areas like creativity, imagination, problem solving, social-emotional, fine and gross motor skills.

Ideally we should provide children with a variety of blocks, for example…cloth, building bricks, cardboard, foam, wood, unit blocks or why not try making your own out of various shapes and sizes of recycled boxes!

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There’s so many ways to incorporate blocks into the classroom or home environment, including through the arts.

Try block printing! Optionally you could introduce this activity by talking about the origins of block printing, an age old technique originating in China. Maybe demonstrate it to the group.

All you need for this art activity are a few shallow containers, each filled with different coloured paint and large enough pieces of paper for the kids to print on.

Provide blocks of varying sizes, shapes and textures, enabling children to compare, contrast and discuss any differences.

Encourage kids throughout the activity to explore different pattern ideas and levels of difficulty and discuss their findings after.

Blocks are another great way for children of all ages and stages to learn through play.

Dale Ho, RECE
Collaborator Blog Natis

The early years, from birth through six years of age, are often referred to as the most formative years of a child’s life. New skills are introduced and reinforced and with opportunity to practise these new skills, mastery is achieved.

It should also be noted that the early years are the most viable for early intervention. With the appropriate support and resources we are able to maximize the abilities of each child, addressing these specific needs leads to positive learning outcomes, increased confidence and self-esteem.

The early years are a time for play, children not only learn through play, it helps them make sense of the world around them.

But play is often viewed as wasted time, most will tell you they see no value in it, the child is not learning anything….but just for a second let’s take a look at a child who is engaged in pretend play, perhaps they’re acting out a favourite scene from a story just read to them. It is during this time that they are able to develop and practise such skills as comprehension, inferring and retelling, learn new vocabulary and more, all valuable literacy and language skills.

Building with blocks are another great example of learning through play. Whether they’re building a tower large enough for Superman to leap in a single bound or a bridge guarded by friendly trolls, when playing with blocks children are able to practise a range of skills; fine motor, social, cognitive, numeracy and more.

There are many forms of play; solitary, parallel and cooperative to name a few and it is our role is to provide opportunity for children to engage in this play. To create invitations to play, explore, discover, learn and grow. Through the process of play children learn how to work together, problem solve and think creatively, all lifelong skills.

So…never should we underestimate the value of play and for children of all ages, not only is it a great learning tool but therapeutic in nature.

Dale Ho, RECE
Collaborator Blog Natis