|
Blocks
& Building
In the block and
building area children’s literacy development is supported and
encouraged as they explore and manipulate a variety of blocks, building
materials, and other related items.
Children use language to communicate with other children and
teachers as they explain, share, and describe their activities in this
area. Also they engage in independent and group play and practice
socially acceptable ways to express their thoughts and feelings as they
learn to share and cooperating with others.
Concepts of print are developed as children read signs and books
related to what they are doing. Children
begin to write as they draw and label pictures of the things they are
constructing in this area as well as when they us print in functional
ways. Children use and develop their small and large muscle skills and
their hand and eye coordination, important for later writing abilities.
Cognitively they develop an understanding of concepts such as
measurement, classifying, and sequencing which are concepts used in
understanding and comprehending when children read.
Children begin to predict cause-and-effect relationships and
engage in problem solving activities, which are also important aspects
of reading comprehension.
Goals:
In
the Block & Building are children have the opportunity to develop
many cognitive skills as they experiment with the size, shape, color,
number, and volume of the materials in this area. They test physics
principles when they build skyscrapers and bridges carefully balancing
each block they add to their design. They practice social skills when
they share, negotiate for materials, and collaborate with other
children. Symbolic thinking is developed as they create models of architectural
elements from their world. Vocabularies expand and literacy learning is enhanced
when children talk and write about their creations. So much learning can
take place in one little area.
Area:
The
Block & Building Area is usually a place of hustle and bustle and
should be placed in an area where it will not disturb other quiet activities
like the library or reading area. There should be ample low shelving for
materials that are clearly labeled so children are able to be
responsible for retuning materials on their own. A nice big rug in the
area is useful to create a kind of boundary for this area. Often it is
helpful to surround this area on three sides to discourage other children
from walking through the area and disturbing the masterpieces in
progress.
Equipment:
Special
equipment for this area is usually not necessary other than shelving.
Some nice pieces to have however are a low table for building with interlocking
block type toys or for using with train construction sets.
Supplies:
Typical
materials found in this area are a variety of blocks, toy cars, trucks,
and toy vehicles, road signs, toy people, animals, and other props.
Blocks can be made and purchased but must be checked for quality and
safety. Cardboard boxes can be used to make large blocks, stuff them
with newspaper and cover them with brown paper bags or other wrapping
paper. Wood scraps that have been sanded smooth also make nice
inexpensive blocks.
Centers:
Additional
Centers:
*Examples of
other centers that can be developed and used in the block and building
area to correspond with different themes.
Travel
Theme:
-
Transportation
Center
-
Airport
Center
-
Auto Repair
Center
Community
Theme:
-
Building
Bridges Center
-
Lumber Yard
-
Auto Repair
Center
-
Plumbing/Pipes
Center
-
Farm &
Barn Center
Families
Theme:
Water Theme
-
Plumbing/Pipes
Center
-
Building
Bridges Center
Animals
Theme:
Careers
Theme:
-
Race Track
Center
-
Auto Repair
Center
-
Plumbing/Pipes
Center
-
Construction
Center
Resources:
|
