Block Play and Constructive Play
Ch. 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).