The space we now have in nursery means we now have a great environment in which to develop our block play both on large and small scales which is so important for our early literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing development.

Through block play we can represent what we see in our environments and our interests and develop our design skills. Block play develops our literacy as we use blocks as inspiration to draw plans of our constructions and use our mark making to enhance our imaginative play, listening and talking skills.

   

Henry, Emmie and Freddie built a boat. Henry drew a map, “We’ll go dis way”. Freddie – “Let me check. Oh yeah. I’ll be the driver.” Emmie asked “Whar ir we going?”

Jordie and Jackson worked together to build a house. There was a lot of discussion, hypothesising, sharing and expressing their ideas. “We need to balance dis bit Jackson, it’s going to fall aff.” Jordie. “Ok, I’ll pit dis block aside it, dat will help.” Jackson.

We develop a lot of numeracy concepts and skills when taking part in block play. We learn how to select the correct shapes and numbers of blocks as well as how to combine blocks together. The photo on the left shows how a group of children used different types of blocks and accessorised their construction by adding bowls for “seats” showing an understanding of shape and angles. By bridging blocks together to make more space in the “waiting area”, without wasting the blocks they needed for height, the children who built the “piers” in the photo on the right were using their problem solving skills and learning about 3 dimensional objects.

 

Block building helps us to learn about size and measure. When we create structures we learn about breadth, depth, height, pattern and symmetry.

Jordie used the metre stick during the build to check how high the construction was getting. James helped him to build it higher. 

We can use our whole bodies during block play. Balancing small blocks needs concentration and fine motor control and movements. Using blocks as balancing objects increases our core strength, body awareness and gross motor control.