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Introduction to Preschool Block Play
Preschool block play is an important activity for young children. You may see a preschooler building a block tower today, but maybe one day they’ll have become an engineer! Block play offers a variety of benefits, including promoting creativity, problem solving, spatial awareness, developing language. communication skills, and improves physical development skills.
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Table of Contents
Benefits of Preschool Block Play
7-Stages of Block Play How to Set Up a Preschool Block Play Area Preschool Block Play Activities Block Play Area Materials Organizing Preschool Block Play Materials Teachers Tips for the Block Play Area Shop for Preschool Block Play Resources |
Benefits of Block Play for Preschoolers
When children are playing with blocks and other building materials, they are not only learning skills such as manipulating objects and new math concepts, but they are also learning and developing social skills while interacting with their peers.
Block play helps children learn to think spatially, work collaboratively, and develop problem-solving skills. Through block play, children are able to express themselves creatively, practice communication and interpersonal skills, and develop hand-eye coordination. Block play also helps children develop motor skills, mathematics skills, and even literacy.
Block play helps preschoolers learn to think spatially. This means that children learn to think of objects in 3D and how they relate to each other in a physical space. Through block play, children learn to understand concepts of size, shape, and direction and how one object can fit into another. This skill is important for problem-solving, as children begin to understand how multiple parts can come together to create a bigger picture.
Block play also helps young children learn to work collaboratively. As children work together to build structures, they learn to take turns, problem-solve together, and help each other when needed. This helps them develop social and communication skills and teaches them to work together to achieve a goal.
Another way, block play is beneficial to preschoolers is that is helps children express themselves creatively. This means that children can use blocks to create whatever they can imagine. This helps children develop their imagination and creativity and express themselves in a way they are comfortable with. It also allows children to practice problem-solving and learn how to think outside the box.
Another important skill block play helps children develop is physical development skills. Through block play, children use their hands and fingers to manipulate blocks and put them together. This helps them develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which is important for many everyday tasks.
Block play also provides teachers, caregivers, and parents an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with preschoolers and help them develop language and communication skills. With thoughtful organization and planning, block play can provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and have fun. By providing a variety of blocks, an inviting block space, and engaging activities, teachers and caregivers can create an enjoyable and educational experience for children. As children build with blocks, they practice counting, naming shapes, and describing the structures they build which also builds important early literacy skills. This helps them learn the language of math and introduces them to the basics of reading, writing, and numbers.
Block play helps children learn to think spatially, work collaboratively, and develop problem-solving skills. Through block play, children are able to express themselves creatively, practice communication and interpersonal skills, and develop hand-eye coordination. Block play also helps children develop motor skills, mathematics skills, and even literacy.
Block play helps preschoolers learn to think spatially. This means that children learn to think of objects in 3D and how they relate to each other in a physical space. Through block play, children learn to understand concepts of size, shape, and direction and how one object can fit into another. This skill is important for problem-solving, as children begin to understand how multiple parts can come together to create a bigger picture.
Block play also helps young children learn to work collaboratively. As children work together to build structures, they learn to take turns, problem-solve together, and help each other when needed. This helps them develop social and communication skills and teaches them to work together to achieve a goal.
Another way, block play is beneficial to preschoolers is that is helps children express themselves creatively. This means that children can use blocks to create whatever they can imagine. This helps children develop their imagination and creativity and express themselves in a way they are comfortable with. It also allows children to practice problem-solving and learn how to think outside the box.
Another important skill block play helps children develop is physical development skills. Through block play, children use their hands and fingers to manipulate blocks and put them together. This helps them develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which is important for many everyday tasks.
Block play also provides teachers, caregivers, and parents an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with preschoolers and help them develop language and communication skills. With thoughtful organization and planning, block play can provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and have fun. By providing a variety of blocks, an inviting block space, and engaging activities, teachers and caregivers can create an enjoyable and educational experience for children. As children build with blocks, they practice counting, naming shapes, and describing the structures they build which also builds important early literacy skills. This helps them learn the language of math and introduces them to the basics of reading, writing, and numbers.
About the 7-Stages block play
There are 7 different stages that a child will navigate during block play. During each stage, children will perform various tasks at differing levels of development, implementing multiple skills that they have learned prior, and/or are still developing through play!
Stage 1: Carrying, Exploring or Pre-Building
The first stage in block play is when children will pick out and pick up the blocks or materials that they’re wanting to play with. They will also carry them over to an area that they have chosen. During this time, they will begin to generate thoughts and ideas with regards to building.
Stage 2: Stacking, Rows, Towers or Repetition
The next thing that they will do in stage 2 is start to create small structures by either stacking, creating rows, and even producing different patterns with repetition.
Stage 3: Bridges and Passageways
In the third stage, children will use their newly learned and developed skills to produce bigger structures like bridges and passageways. Children will recreate these structures that they have seen in the world around them. A great tool you can utilize in inspiring children while building these structures is the Let's Build STEM Poster Pack! This tool is amazing for the building of enclosures as well!
Stage 4 Enclosures
In stage four, children will continue to grow and develop while producing more advanced structures such as houses, towers, porches, and even more enclosures!
Stage 5: Symmetry and Patterns
Children will begin to recognize different patterns and learn how to create them in stage five! They will also begin to recognize symmetry and start to make symmetry present in their structures!
Stage 6: Early Representational Functional and Naming of Structure
In the sixth stage, children will begin to design their structures to be functional and represent buildings and structures that are familiar to them. They will also start to name their creations, bringing them to life!
Stage 7: Representational, Complex and Symbolic
In the seventh and final stage of block play, children will design and create structures that are very representative to them. They may create buildings such as their homes, their schools, or maybe even the grocery store where their family shops. These structures will be more complex than what they were previously known to build and can even be very symbolic to them.
Another way that children tend to use their creativity and imaginations during block play is by playing pretend and creating imaginary scenarios and structures! A terrific resource to utilize while attempting to bring out that creativity in children is the Three Billy Goats Stem Bridge Building Activity!
Stage 1: Carrying, Exploring or Pre-Building
The first stage in block play is when children will pick out and pick up the blocks or materials that they’re wanting to play with. They will also carry them over to an area that they have chosen. During this time, they will begin to generate thoughts and ideas with regards to building.
Stage 2: Stacking, Rows, Towers or Repetition
The next thing that they will do in stage 2 is start to create small structures by either stacking, creating rows, and even producing different patterns with repetition.
Stage 3: Bridges and Passageways
In the third stage, children will use their newly learned and developed skills to produce bigger structures like bridges and passageways. Children will recreate these structures that they have seen in the world around them. A great tool you can utilize in inspiring children while building these structures is the Let's Build STEM Poster Pack! This tool is amazing for the building of enclosures as well!
Stage 4 Enclosures
In stage four, children will continue to grow and develop while producing more advanced structures such as houses, towers, porches, and even more enclosures!
Stage 5: Symmetry and Patterns
Children will begin to recognize different patterns and learn how to create them in stage five! They will also begin to recognize symmetry and start to make symmetry present in their structures!
Stage 6: Early Representational Functional and Naming of Structure
In the sixth stage, children will begin to design their structures to be functional and represent buildings and structures that are familiar to them. They will also start to name their creations, bringing them to life!
Stage 7: Representational, Complex and Symbolic
In the seventh and final stage of block play, children will design and create structures that are very representative to them. They may create buildings such as their homes, their schools, or maybe even the grocery store where their family shops. These structures will be more complex than what they were previously known to build and can even be very symbolic to them.
Another way that children tend to use their creativity and imaginations during block play is by playing pretend and creating imaginary scenarios and structures! A terrific resource to utilize while attempting to bring out that creativity in children is the Three Billy Goats Stem Bridge Building Activity!
How to Set up a Preschool Block Play Area
Setting up a preschool block play area can provide hours of fun and learning for your preschoolers. Here are some tips to help you create a safe and engaging play space.
First, decide on a designated space for the block play. Make sure the area is large enough to accommodate a variety of blocks and other materials. Consider placing a rug or mat in the center of the block play area to create a more inviting space.
Second, choose the blocks for your block play area. There are many different types of blocks to choose from, including wooden blocks, foam blocks, and plastic blocks. Consider the age of your preschoolers and select blocks that are safe and age-appropriate.
Third, add other materials to enhance your block play area. Think of adding items such as people figures, toy animals, and cars to create an imaginative play world. You can also include different types of containers and baskets to help organize the blocks and other materials.
Finally, remember to keep the block play area safe. Make sure the blocks are properly stored away when not in use, and check the area regularly for any potential hazards. Clean up any broken pieces of blocks and inspect the area for any potential sharp edges that may cause injuries.
By following these tips, you will have a fun and safe block play area for your preschoolers where they can enjoy a variety of activities!
First, decide on a designated space for the block play. Make sure the area is large enough to accommodate a variety of blocks and other materials. Consider placing a rug or mat in the center of the block play area to create a more inviting space.
Second, choose the blocks for your block play area. There are many different types of blocks to choose from, including wooden blocks, foam blocks, and plastic blocks. Consider the age of your preschoolers and select blocks that are safe and age-appropriate.
Third, add other materials to enhance your block play area. Think of adding items such as people figures, toy animals, and cars to create an imaginative play world. You can also include different types of containers and baskets to help organize the blocks and other materials.
Finally, remember to keep the block play area safe. Make sure the blocks are properly stored away when not in use, and check the area regularly for any potential hazards. Clean up any broken pieces of blocks and inspect the area for any potential sharp edges that may cause injuries.
By following these tips, you will have a fun and safe block play area for your preschoolers where they can enjoy a variety of activities!
Preschool Block Play Activities
Block play activities are a great way to engage young children in creative, open-ended learning experiences. Block play encourages critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, and imagination. It also helps children develop their fine motor skills and learn important math and science concepts. Here are some popular preschool block play activities you can set up for your space:
- Building Challenges: Set up a variety of blocks and give the children a challenge to build something specific, such as a house, bridge or tower. The children can work together or individually to create the structure. As they build, discuss the various shapes, colors, and sizes of the blocks and how they fit together. Consider seasonal building challenges such as building hearts for Valentine's Day, Shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day, or even Snowflakes in the winter!
- Measuring with Blocks: Give the children a variety of blocks and challenge them to build something tall. As they build, talk about the concept of height and how the different blocks stack together to create a taller structure.
- Block Maze: Another fun block play activity is to have the preschoolers build a maze or race track with the blocks. This can be done with blocks, as well as other items like recycling materials or even items from around the house. This activity encourages exploration, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- In addition to building with blocks, students can also practice sorting them. Students can sort blocks by color, size, and even weight (heavy and light).
Preschool Block Play Materials
When a child is exploring the world of construction and building, it is essential to make sure that they have a variety of materials to choose from while building and producing their creations! You can definitely swap out materials based on the specific child's interests.
Different Types of Blocks
There are a variety of different types of blocks which include:
Other Materials you can add to your Preschool Block Play Area
There are several other materials that you could add to children’s building space to amplify their learning and playing experience such as:
Make Your Own Block Play Materials
Buying numerous block sets of all different materials can be pricey! Learn how to optimize your resources that you already have in your home and create some building tools on your own! Some of the household items that you can use to create a DIY block set for building include:
Preschoolers can help create materials for their own space! Not only does this opportunity provide preschoolers with an engaging activity, but the process also stimulates children’s imaginations and helps them develop their motor skills.
Here are some suggested DIY materials for your space:
No matter which DIY block play materials you choose, your preschool student will have plenty of fun with them. Be sure to involve your students in the process of creating these building materials, and reach out to your clients to donate items for your program.
Different Types of Blocks
There are a variety of different types of blocks which include:
- Cardboard blocks
- Soft blocks
- People
- Cars
- Farm animals
Other Materials you can add to your Preschool Block Play Area
There are several other materials that you could add to children’s building space to amplify their learning and playing experience such as:
- Animals People Vehicles
- Natural Materials (Pine cones, Wood Slices)
- Materials to create landscapes (Fabric, Photos)
- Buildings
- Signs
Make Your Own Block Play Materials
Buying numerous block sets of all different materials can be pricey! Learn how to optimize your resources that you already have in your home and create some building tools on your own! Some of the household items that you can use to create a DIY block set for building include:
Preschoolers can help create materials for their own space! Not only does this opportunity provide preschoolers with an engaging activity, but the process also stimulates children’s imaginations and helps them develop their motor skills.
Here are some suggested DIY materials for your space:
- Cardboard Blocks: Cardboard blocks can be made quickly and easily using cardboard boxes and packing tape. Fill them with packing paper to make them more durable. Cover them with contact paper or paint them with colorful designs. Kids will love building towers, castles, and other structures with these blocks!.
- Stacking Cups: Stacking cups are a great way to introduce basic math concepts to preschoolers. Kids can stack the cups to create towers, sort them by size, or use them to measure the size of other items.
- Wooden Blocks: Wooden blocks can be purchased from craft stores or made from scrap wood. They can be painted with bright colors and imaginative designs. Kids will love building towers, bridges, and more with these blocks!
- Student Blocks: Create your own custom student blocks by attaching a photo to a cardboard tube, or blocks.
- Recycled Food Containers such as Egg Cartons, plastic coffee tins or event yogurt cups make simple low cost building materials.
- make fun building blocks for students
- PVC pipes and connectors can be used as building material
No matter which DIY block play materials you choose, your preschool student will have plenty of fun with them. Be sure to involve your students in the process of creating these building materials, and reach out to your clients to donate items for your program.
Organizing Preschool Block Play Materials
Organizing preschool building materials can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning and creative problem-solving, you can create an efficient organization system that will keep your blocks tidy and easy to access. Here are some helpful tips to get started.
First, it’s important to separate the blocks into different categories based on size, shape, color, and any other characteristics. This will make it easier to find the blocks you need when you’re looking for them. It’s also a good idea to label the different categories so that everyone can quickly identify the blocks they need.
Second, decide on an appropriate storage system for the blocks. A deep plastic bin with a lid is a great option as it can easily be accessed by children and can be moved easily around the room. If you don’t have a bin, consider using boxes or baskets that can be labeled and stacked in a corner of the room.
Third, it’s important to set aside a specific area for block play. Place a low table and chairs in the area so that children can easily access the blocks. Make sure that the area is well-lit and free of any distractions so that children can focus on their block play.
Finally, it’s helpful to create a daily block clean-up routine. Encourage children to put the blocks back in the correct categories when they are done playing, and then put the lid on the bin or box. This will ensure that the blocks are organized and ready to use the next time the children want to play.
Organizing preschool blocks may take a bit of effort, but the end result is well worth it. With a bit of thought, creativity, and structure, you can create an efficient system that will make block play time much more enjoyable and organized.
First, it’s important to separate the blocks into different categories based on size, shape, color, and any other characteristics. This will make it easier to find the blocks you need when you’re looking for them. It’s also a good idea to label the different categories so that everyone can quickly identify the blocks they need.
Second, decide on an appropriate storage system for the blocks. A deep plastic bin with a lid is a great option as it can easily be accessed by children and can be moved easily around the room. If you don’t have a bin, consider using boxes or baskets that can be labeled and stacked in a corner of the room.
Third, it’s important to set aside a specific area for block play. Place a low table and chairs in the area so that children can easily access the blocks. Make sure that the area is well-lit and free of any distractions so that children can focus on their block play.
Finally, it’s helpful to create a daily block clean-up routine. Encourage children to put the blocks back in the correct categories when they are done playing, and then put the lid on the bin or box. This will ensure that the blocks are organized and ready to use the next time the children want to play.
Organizing preschool blocks may take a bit of effort, but the end result is well worth it. With a bit of thought, creativity, and structure, you can create an efficient system that will make block play time much more enjoyable and organized.
Teacher Tips for the Block Play Area
Here are some tips for facilitating block play in your preschool program:
Are given a variety of resources to optimize their experience
Are given a variety of resources to optimize their experience
- Make sure to provide a variety of toys and materials in the block play area. This will give children the opportunity to explore different shapes, textures, and sizes.
- Limit the amount of materials you set out, especially in the beginning of the year, as students are just learning how to use the materials in the space.
- Provide "Work in Progress" Tents for other students who want to keep their structures intact, Take photos of completed creations to share with families and to also document their growth over time. Hang the photos in the block building area for future inspiration.
- Offer students resources, such as these printable posters with ideas if they are needing some inspiration
- Encourage children to build structures together. This can help them learn to cooperate, problem solve, and develop communication skills.
- Provide a comfortable atmosphere for block play. Make sure the area is well lit and that there is plenty of open space for children to move around.
- Allow children to explore the block play area independently. It's important to give them time to be creative and to make their own discoveries.
- Engage with the children during block play. Ask open-ended questions to help them explore and think critically about their structures.
- Recognize not all children have mastered all stages of block play. provide opportunities for younger children to haul blocks, and create a special area using painters tape where young children have permission to build and knock down structures (which is an important discovery).
Block play activities are a great way to engage young children in meaningful learning experiences, and help them build important developmental skills through play.
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