How to Make Faux Stone Building Blocks

How to Make Faux Stone Blocks

Transform preschool blocks into faux stones perfect for building castles and landmarks all over the world. Preschoolers love to build with all different types of building blocks. From wooden blocks to cardboard blocks, preschoolers are able to explore all different types!  Faux stone building blocks are easy to make and only require a few materials.

​Block play is an important part of a preschooler’s development. It provides an opportunity for children to explore, create, and problem solve in a fun and engaging way. Through block play, children can learn about shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. They can also practice their fine motor skills, as well as develop their social and emotional skills. Block play also encourages children to use their imaginations and to think creatively. It can help them learn to cooperate with others, take turns, and share. Block play is a great way for preschoolers to learn, grow, and have fun. And, the best part is we can make simple transformations to take building to the next level. This Faux Stone Building Block tutorial is a great DIY project to do with your preschool students. 

What You'll Need:

• Jenga Blocks or Wooden Block Pieces 
• Spray Paint* We used Rust-Oleum Stone Textured Finish

*We paired these faux stone blocks with our Landmarks Around the World Building Mats

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Directions:

Faux stone blocks make a great addition to your block center during a Fairytale or Medieval Theme. We used Jenga Blocks which are the perfect size for building small castles paired with small people in the block center. 

We started by using the Rust-Oleum spray paint to spray each Jenga block, use as much coverage as you would like depending on the look you want to give your blocks. If you are including your preschoolers in this process, we highly recommend doing this outdoors where preschoolers can watch from a distance. Spray paint has a very strong smell and shouldn't be used in close proximity to preschoolers.

Next, you will want to allow ample drying time before bringing the blocks back into your classroom.  And, that's all it takes! You can do this activity with larger pieces of wood scraps which can be found at local hardware stores. 

Try using these faux stone blocks with the Landmarks Around the World Mats. This set is an excellent way to encourage STEM skills by replicating important landmarks, there are over 17 different structures included in this set. You can also print out pictures of stone-hedges and castles as a model for preschoolers when they are creating their own structures.

These faux stone blocks are so simple to make and make for great open-ended materials that encourage preschoolers to use their creativity! We can't wait to see all of the creations your learners make with these blocks.

You May Also Like:

Benefits of Block Play in Preschool
Medieval and Fairytale Preschool Activities
Around the World Preschool Theme​