Is It Safe, Strong and Beautiful? Blocks in the Rivers Class!

Several weeks ago, Ms Gluckow introduced blocks to the Rivers Children.  They began with the “Unit Blocks”; meeting one block at at time, learning the name of each block, and practicing building simple structures.

Through this work, children have gained an understanding of the procedures for using blocks safely and with purpose. Blocks are a big part of our math curriculum.  Children compare block sizes, must figure out which size will work for the space they want, and think about equivalencies.

They begin to understand that 2 squares equal a unit block, two units are the same as a double (and 4 units, etc.)  “We already did half so we only need 8. It’s 4 wide so it’s 16 wide.” Blocks provide challenges for young children in terms of spatial and mathematical understandings, knowledge and skills. 

Children learn to build “safe, strong and beautiful” structures as they work with blocks.  These ideas are emphasized over and over as they work with teachers so that they are eventually able to consider these concepts as they work independently and reflect on what they build.  We often see them doing the “finger check” to see if their structure is strong or if they need to make some adjustments, like adding “connectors” to make sure it stands.

“I am making a connector. It’ll be strong.”

We believe that it is important to make work beautiful; work that children can be proud of.  Blocks are an area where many children find great success in creating beauty. 

Children think about the world around them and can try to represent what they know with blocks.“I want to make a balcony. It’s DD’s house”   

Often children work with other friends in the block area and this requires talking to one another, making a plan, and regularly compromising.   When they built their city, the children had to really work together to think about what and how to build.  Experiences in blocks support social-emotional and language development, problem solving and creative thinking.

After children worked with the Unit Blocks, they were introduced to Hollow Blocks.  These blocks are very large so a big part of learning to build with them is how to carry and work with them safely. Children learn to use their “lobster claws” to grip and carry the Hollow Blocks.They build strength and stamina as they exercise some gross motor movement and control.

Just as with the Unit Blocks, children build safe, strong and beautiful structures and then they play with their creations! The larger Hollow Blocks bring about a different type of play because as soon as they build they can put their body in or on their structure and use their imagination in a different way through dramatic play.  “Can you imagine going inside the building I made?”

Children have been creating many fun places to play with the hollow blocks!

“I’m dancing!” 

They built several thrones of various types.

“I am making a princess chair.  I want it high.”

 “I am a Queen.” 

They made a castle. “This can be a gate. It closes and opens”

“This is a visiting door with a peeking hole.”

And other fun places to imagine and play!

Both Unit Blocks and Hollow Blocks are a great language for expression for young children: expression of ideas, thoughts, stories, and understanding.  WE LOVE BLOCKS!