Blog
Block Play
Blog Entry: 2nd March 2022
The value of block play can be embedded into every single part of our children's development. Block play is developmental, for it progresses as a child discovers and applies new possibilities. It offers natural exposure to likenesses and differences of shapes, counting, sizes, and amounts. Block play becomes a doorway to discovery of maths, technology, engineering, design and even architecture. It offers a vast range of experiences for every child in a range of scenarios. As children naturally group and regroup during block play, interaction leads to cooperation in ideas, construction, and problem solving. Imagination is integral to block play. Children learn to create, bouncing ideas off one another and thinking for themselves, thus fulfilling the ultimate goal of education.
In Harriet Johnsons book, The Art of Block Building she lists the stages in which block play develops;
Stage 1: Blocks are carried around, not used for construction.
Stage 2: Children mostly make rows, either horizontal on the floor or vertical (stacking).
Stage 3: Bridging: two blocks with a space between them, connected by a third block.
Stage 4: Enclosures: four blocks placed to enclose a space.
Stage 5: When facility with blocks is acquired, patterns and symmetry can be observed.
Stage 6: Naming of structures, with names relating to function of building.
Stage 7: Buildings often represent actual structures children know from real life or stories. Strong impulse to dramatic play around the structures.
As keyworkers we often see these stages during the childrens time here with us, as each stage develops the children's imagination enhances and their structures become more and more intrinsic. Our role as key workers during Block play is often to be quietly present and an enthusiastic bystander, ready to ask open ended questions that begin with 'why do you think' or 'what if'. We are often ready to provide accessories or resources that might add play value.
Friedrich Froebel said over two centuries ago, “Each is a self-contained whole, a seed from which manifold new developments may spring to cohere in further unity. They cover the whole field of intuitive and sensory instruction and lay the basis for all further teaching. They begin to establish spatial relationships and proceed to sensory and language training so that eventually man comes to see himself as an intelligent rational being and strives to live as such.”
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(18th May 2022)50 year celebration event
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(4th May 2022)Setting the scene!
(1st April 2022)Block Play
(2nd March 2022)Tip of the Iceburg
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(14th January 2022)Celebrating 50 years of Croft Playgroup
(11th January 2022)Happy Christmas
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(17th November 2021)Play and take risks quote
(1st November 2021)Introducing our Library room
(20th October 2021)When will my child write?
(8th October 2021)Did you know?
(10th September 2021)The start of a new year
(6th September 2021)End of another year
(23rd July 2021)The benefits of movement
(8th June 2021)Support not punishment
(7th June 2021)ZUMBA
(19th May 2021)Caterpillars to Chrysalises
(13th May 2021)People who inspire us!
(28th April 2021)World Book Day
(5th March 2021)Pre-Writing Skills
(24th February 2021)Sponsored read
(5th February 2021)Be kind to yourself
(12th January 2021)The end of 2020!
(18th December 2020)The power of water play.
(11th December 2020)Nanny's feedback and Settling in
(4th December 2020)Celebrations of the nations day- Diwali festival of light
(13th November 2020)Tales from the Sandpit
(2nd November 2020)The seasons are changing
(16th October 2020)The drive to play is a basic biological drive...
(7th October 2020)Mark Making is not just 'Scribbles!'
(29th September 2020)Tales from the Sandpit
(25th September 2020)Why does play matter?
(15th September 2020)Our light box
(11th September 2020)The art and creativity of balancing
(9th September 2020)Welcome back to Playgroup
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(3rd February 2020)Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
(19th December 2019)Rhythmic Movement
(19th December 2019)Playgroup Values
(28th November 2019)Welcome to our new online Blog
(23rd October 2019)
