10 Materials and Environments for Block Play

READ FIRST– The following article provides an overview of constructive play and the important benefits of this type of experience.

• The Importance of Constructive Play by Francis Wardle (~12 minute read)

CHOOSE ONE– Select at least one of the resources below to learn more about how adults can support children’s constructive play.

• Rocking and Rolling. Building New Skills: Block Construction in Toddler Settings by Rebecca Parlakian (~15 minute read)

In this article from NAEYC, Parlakian provides specific suggestions on how to support infants and toddlers during block play.

• The Important Role of the Teacher in Block Play: Supporting Deeper Engagement and Learning in the Block Area by Community Playthings (~ 3 minutes)

In this video, you will learn more from teachers about how to facilitate block play and how to do this without taking over the child’s play.

• Foundations of Learning: Building STEM Skills by Hal Melnick, Susan Wood, & Yvonne Smith (~ 3 minutes)

In this video from Community Playthings, you will learn about how block play supports children’s development of important ideas from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).