Block play is more than just stacking and knocking things down—it’s a powerhouse of learning for young children! When preschoolers engage with blocks, they are developing critical skills that support their growth in multiple areas. What are they learning? Let’s take a look:
Hands-On Math Skills: As children build towers and create structures, they are exploring early math concepts like counting, measurement, symmetry, and spatial awareness. They learn about balance and stability, all while experimenting with different shapes and sizes.
Language and Communication: Building with blocks naturally encourages conversation. Whether they’re explaining their design, negotiating with a friend, or storytelling through their structures, children are expanding their vocabulary and practicing important communication skills
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Block play invites children to think critically and experiment. When a tower falls, they figure out how to rebuild it stronger. When a structure doesn’t fit together as expected, they adapt and find new solutions. These early problem-solving experiences build resilience and perseverance.
Social and Emotional Growth: Blocks create opportunities for collaboration, sharing, and teamwork. Children practice taking turns, respecting others’ ideas, and working through challenges together. These moments foster patience, empathy, and self-regulation.
Creativity and Imagination: A stack of blocks can become anything—a castle, a city, a zoo! Open-ended block play allows children to express themselves, explore their creativity, and bring their ideas to life through construction and storytelling.
Focus and Attention Span: As children build higher and more complex structures, they must practice more impulse and body control and move in slower, more intentional ways in order to keep their structures from collapsing. This slower movement and self-control actually builds focus and increases attention-span!
How many blocks do you need in your block center? The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends a minimum of 100-150 unit blocks per child to ensure every child has ample opportunity for meaningful play. For a block center with 4-6 children, a minimum of 400-600 blocks provides enough variety for collaboration and creativity. So…are your blocks hidden in a tub on top of a shelf? Or are they accessible to children every day? Have you pulled out most of the blocks and only left about 30 of them because they take up so much room? It might be time to bring them back. Children need an ample number of blocks in order to fully immerse themselves in learning – especially as more classmates join in the adventure.
In case you’re looking for more information… HERE is a link to an article from Community PlayThings that talks about the benefits of block play for kids that are overstimulated.
Cheering you on this week!
-Your ECCN team
Have you checked out our online courses lately?
We’ve recently added:
A three-part series on supporting children with special needs that includes:
An Overview of Common Special Needs in Early Childhood
Strategies for Helping Young Children with Special Needs Be Successful
Strategies for Supporting Parents of Young Children with Special Needs
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