Building Play
This week we will be talking about one of the oldest
activities children have used to entertain themselves; playing with blocks.
Recently with the progression of technology and use of tablets this activity
has become over looked. It is such a simple way to pass time, but it is very
beneficial to propel your child’s learning experiences. They learn and
strengthen many different skills. Counting blocks, strengthens math skills, while
learning concepts like balance and gravity. Hand-eye coordination and multiple
muscle movements are also being introduced, as they lift multiple blocks at
once or lift blocks that are a little heavy. While they build they are learning
ways to represent their ideas and imagination. New language is being used to describe
their castle, moat or sky scraper. So many things are happening all while
having fun!
Block Play can really be done anywhere as long as you have
space and blocks. The most beneficial block play or building play is done
outside with natural elements to create endless challenges. Instead of using
the basic plastic blocks that leave little to the imagination, try wooden blocks cut from small logs or branches. Nature
blocks add the sensory of texture and are shaped by Mother Nature herself,
which adds to the challenge of stacking. Using nature blocks instead of plastic
or foam blocks helps ignite creativity. Many studies indicate that indirect
contact with nature helps the flow of imagination which opens the door for
self-taught lessons that I referenced earlier. While you’re outside building
with the blocks try adding in more natural elements like rocks, pine cones and
other sticks. The ideas, challenges and learned experiences are endless!
As your child grows older or if you have older children,
building forts can be an age appropriate twist on the basic concepts of block
building. Large sticks, logs and foliage are great natural material to build
the perfect hide out. Using the same concepts of building, they exercise the
movements of muscles and coordination while expressing their ideas. Team work
is introduced with larger projects of fort building by working together to lift
and balance heavier logs.
Whether you have young children or young adults there is
something for everyone when it comes to building. With so many things to learn
and adventures to have, why wait, get outside and build your own creation!
