

Science – Through the exploration of cause and effect and experimentation, children are able to develop their problem-solving skills, test hypotheses and practise scientific reasoning. Add in alternative resources such as dough, small world characters or paint and pencils to further extend opportunities for creativity.ħ. Creativity – Blocks are loose parts, meaning children are free to combine and re-combine them in countless ways. Physical development – Block play promotes the development of spatial awareness and develops hand-eye coordination as children reach for, lift, move and build with blocks, strengthening their fingers, hands and arms.Ħ.

By comparing shapes and sizes, creating patterns or providing measuring and weighing tools, we can can extend play and exploration.ĥ. Mathematics – Due to the many shapes, sizes and colours on offer, blocks offer ample opportunity for children to practise important maths skills, covering measurement, number, symmetry, balance and estimation. This can be deliberate, with children consciously working to develop a solution, or as a natural consequence of play, as they learn first-hand what does and doesn’t work.Ĥ. Problem-solving – Blocks offer a great platform to develop problem-solving and reasoning skills. Self-expression – Children are able to express themselves through their play, creations and discoveries – a form of communication that’s particularly valuable for bilingual or non-verbal children.ģ. Imagination – Through block play children are free to follow their own ideas as they embark on a voyage of discovery or share in the development of their friends’ creations.Ģ. Here are ten aspects of learning that can expect a boost, many originally highlighted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children:ġ.

There are a host of benefits to be gained from this activity. It offers children freedom – to explore, take apart and put back together any block-based creation they can think of. Block play can boost children’s development like few other activities, as Charlie Chewter explains…īlock play offers an open-ended, creative and valuable play and learning experience available to every setting.
