Play of all kinds can be incredibly stimulating and helpful for children in their social and intellectual growth. Play is engaging and fun, and keeps their little minds developing.  One great way to utilize play is building blocks! Block play has dynamic ways of getting children to practice math and science, as well as stretching their imagination and encouraging team building.

Building with blocks provides the chance to solve problems with trial and error testing, and utilize tactical skills. Children practice essential mathematical concepts such as space, measurement and balance by using blocks. They can compare and contrast sizes and shapes by manipulating the blocks into different structures. Figuring out how to build the tallest building or most stable construction provides great opportunities to practice math and science. Building with blocks enhances spatial awareness that helps children develop depth perception and relativity. Also, building blocks let children develop their gross and fine motor skills.

Block play is an outlet for a child to express imagination. They can either explore their own ideas of what the structure can look like or help a friend build their vision. Along this note, building with blocks is a way for children to collaborate with their friends. Sharing ideas and plans for a structure develops communication and cooperation with their peers. This stretches them socially and sets them up for better relationship building in the future.

Overall, play through building blocks has great benefits academically and socially.  While all play has substantial learning and growth capabilities, building has specific benefits. From getting comfortable with mathematics basics to developing motor skills and team building, getting a child to participate in block play is a fun way to help them grow!