Blocks Creative Curriculum Interest Area Adapted from Creative Curriculum, 2010

Creating an Environment for Block Play Location Away from traffic and clearly defined by shelves in the corner of a room Ample space to build without getting in each other’s way Near other noisy activities Furnishings Smooth, low-pile carpeting Shelving for blocks and props Materials Blocks: hardwood, hollow, foam, Legos, shaped Props: people, animals, road signs, cars, trucks, trains, tools, logs, PVC pipes, cardboard tubes, maps, pulleys and string, blueprints, rulers and measuring tapes, craft sticks, shoe boxes, tape Books related to construction

in the Block Area

Literacy -Expand vocabulary & oral language, learn about print, letters, and words by encouraging sign making Mathematics -Number concepts, patterning, weights and measures, size concepts, matching, and shape identification, problem solving Social Skills -maintaining proximity, sharing, trading, turn taking, cooperative play, resolving conflicts and negotiating Physical Skills - hand eye coordination, bilateral motor coordination, Science- explore life science and physical science, compare & contrast Social Studies- spaces and geography, concepts related to people and how they live The Arts- promote imaginary play skills & creativity Technology -explore basic operations and concepts

Stages of Block Play Stage One: Carrying Blocks Stage Two: Piling Blocks & Making Roads

Stage 3: Connecting Blocks to Create Structures Stage 4: Making Elaborate Constructions

The Teacher’s Role Your involvement makes block play more meaningful.

You can do the following:

Use open-ended questions to encourage problem solving: Why do you think the blocks fell down? Who lives in that building? What will happen if ……. What could we do differently? Tell me about……

What new ideas will you bring to your classroom?