Block Play

"We cannot over-emphasize that building blocks are the finest home and school play material for children from 2 up to even 10 and 12 years of age. Blocks are sturdy and stable and offer a great variety of play possibilities and values.

Block play helps children believe in themselves.
It bolsters their self image because they can control the structures they create.
Two year olds carry blocks at first, then stack them or lay them out on the floor.
They enjoy knocking down their simple piling of blocks.

Experienced 3 and 4 year old builders erect detailed structures.
Five year olds start reproducing the world and bring their constructions to life with such supplementary materials as cars, boats, trains, planes, toy people and play animals in appropriate scale.
Six and Seven year olds build even more complicated lay-outs.

They use their building as a background for the lessons they learn about community living and for imaginative play about interpersonal situations in home and school.
This motivation to build comes from within the child.
Because blocks can be used in countless ways, the child's interest usually remains keen and active over a long period of time."

Caplan - The Power of Play