Block play builds foundation for STEM

boy playing with colorful blocks Block play seems like a childhood rite of passage. You probably played with blocks and so did your parents as well as your grandparents. It’s also likely your child has a set of blocks. Blocks are easy to love with their plentiful shapes, colors and sizes. But there is much more than you think is happening when a child plays with blocks. A foundation for learning occurs when a child plays with blocks.

Building a learning foundation

Block play appeals to a large age group. Consider how your child’s block play changes as he/she develops. A young child is engaged with exploring the block. Knocking over a block tower is something a young child will repeat again (and again). An older child is enthralled building complex structures. He/She follows detailed instructions to create a building. Research supports the value of block play. It further states that block play is crucial in the development of skills needed in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. Block play benefits include increasing attention span, creating spatial awareness / reasoning, improving fine motor skills and enhancing language development.

Spatial skills

toddler with colorful brain sketch with cogs drawn inside his head. Concept of thinking Consider how block play is all about moving objects around, which increases spatial awareness. This skill is necessary for reading maps, interpreting charts and even having the awareness of how to get to the grocery store. An additional benefit of block play is related to the unique language of block play and the conversation a child has with a grown up while engaged in play. This language is called spatial vocabulary. Examples include “below,” “next to,” “over” and “above.” Through block play, a child learns and understands the meaning of spatial language.

BLOCK Fest Jan 30 & 31, 2024

Bring you children ages 8 months to 8 years to explore, play and learn at BLOCK Fest Tue, Jan 30, 5:30-7pm and/or Wed, Jan 31, 9:30-11am in Marvin Auditorium. Topeka Public Schools Parents as Teachers will lead this block play extravaganza. Parent educators will show you math and science skills kids can learn through block play.

Sherry Hess

Librarian

As the Early Childhood Learning Coordinator, Sherry is focused on engaging young children and their families in play-based early learning experiences. The Learn & Play Bus and its service are at the heart of her work. Sherry has a background in early childhood education.

Parents & Teachers