Wooden blocks are one of the most enduring toys available. They never break, they never go out of style, and they are one of the most used toys in any toy box. Even better, we see that children often incorporate their blocks when they are playing with other toys.

The wooden block’s role in childhood development

Everyone agrees that the early years of development are vitally important to every child’s growth as children learn about how to positively interact with their environment. So, where do blocks fit in?

Blocks foster positive interaction with a child’s environment

The very first thing that a child can learn from blocks is that they have the power to change their environment. This may seem like a small thing to an adult, but to a child this is a VERY important lesson! In a world where everything is adult sized and only adult accessible, here are a batch of objects that are ok for a child to stack up, just the way they want them, knock them over if the choose, or do just about anything, without interference from anyone. This can help a child to begin building a strong sense of self-esteem.

Blocks help develop strong motor skills

Wooden blocks are great for developing hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Usually the first skill that children practice with wooden blocks is to knock them over. While our first reaction is to think, “Destructive little bugger!”, in reality, the child is practicing and developing their hand eye coordination, and gross motor skills. As a child grows, they will begin stacking and balancing, refining their fine motor skills. The more a child practices at this stage, the more developed their nerve system becomes. They will carry this level of skill throughout their entire lives.

Block play enhances many mental functions as well

When a child plays with blocks, they are developing their spatial abilities. They figure out just how each piece fits into the puzzle of what they want to create. So often, we see our children ask themselves, “Now what happens if I put this block …. right here?!” They then get to test it out and get an immediate response as to whether it worked as they expected. Speaking of creating, their creative self can get a huge boost from block play. A child is able to see in their mind’s eye what they want to make, and then they are able to bring it into reality. This can bring another huge boost to self esteem at the same time. While all of that is going on, you would be amazed with the imagination that is being used at the same time. So often my children will bring me to view one of their block structures. These viewing are alway accompanied with a 15-30 minute supporting story about what exactly is going on with and around the structure, so often incorporating a whole batch of different toys as well. I am always in awe with the mental flexibility and sheer imagination that is displayed during these almost daily sessions.

A final word

All in all, when we really see what is going on, it is amazing what these simple toys can do to enhance the growth and development of our future generations! Blocks are not just a toy, they are one of the greatest teaching tools you can give to a child!

Uncategorized wooden blocks