Oh, how I love block play! As a former preschool teacher, I quickly gained a love of blocks not only as a creative outlet, but also as a learning opportunity. I’m also a big advocate of blocks in the library – in programs, in storytimes, even in buckets on the floor!
I’ve been thinking about how the richness of block play could be a part of a storytime skill builder (check clel.org – tab on the right). Many libraries have not only chosen to utilize blocks, but added wonderful language supporting parents and caregivers to engage with children as they play. I’ve seen unit blocks become towers and castles, where children have included puppets to their dramatic play. I’ve seen roads being built, airport runways, even a zoo enclosure for animals.
Check out what Pierce County Library System does for blocks – not only on their website and in programs/storytimes, but get inspired by their brochure as well. What a great example of linking literacy and early childhood development to grown-ups!
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What kinds of things could your library do with unit blocks? What have you tried that has worked well?
Related Resources:
NAEYC Article: 10 Things Children Learn From Block Play
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2015/ten-things-children-learn-block-play
Community Playthings Blog: Guiding Children’s Learning through Block Play
http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2018/guiding-learning-during-block-play
Spokane County Library District Article: 7 Stages of Block Play
https://www.scld.org/7-stages-of-block-play-building-and-early-learning/
