Building blocks might seem like simple toys, but for young children, they are powerful tools for cognitive development. From building spatial awareness to developing literacy, play with blocks fosters crucial skills through hands-on exploration and experimentation. Let’s delve into the benefits, compare different types, and explore some great options for purchase.
5 Benefits of Block Play
Benefit #1: Spatial Reasoning
Blocks help children understand three-dimensional space, visualize relationships between objects, and develop mental rotation skills (the ability to imagine an object turned around in the mind… like when building LEGO sets). This foundation is crucial for future success in geometry, physics, and engineering concepts.
Benefit #2: Problem-Solving
Building with blocks requires planning, trial and error (not to mention, patience!), and creative thinking to overcome challenges. Children learn to analyze, adapt, and persevere, building valuable problem-solving muscles.
Benefit #3: Math Skills
Sorting, counting, and patterning naturally emerge through block play. Children grasp concepts like size, symmetry, and fractions, laying the groundwork for formal math education.
Benefit #4: Fine Motor Skills
Manipulating small blocks strengthens hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and finger control, which are essential for writing, drawing, and other fine motor tasks.
Benefit #5: Creativity and Imagination
Blocks offer endless possibilities for building anything from towers to fantastical creatures. This open-ended play fuels creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
Comparing Block Types
Wooden Blocks: Classic and versatile, they offer natural textures and a timeless aesthetic. Some may lack features like connectors, requiring more imagination. Also, some blocks may weigh heavier or lighter depending on the kind of wood used (the heavier, the better).
Plastic Blocks: Often brightly colored and featuring various shapes and connectors, they encourage diverse structures and imaginative play. Some may contain potentially harmful chemicals including endocrine disruptors, so be cautious here and stick to popular brands.
Cardboard Blocks: Eco-friendly and affordable, cardboard blocks are lightweight yet sturdy, making them suitable for building large structures. They often feature colorful designs and are recyclable, providing an environmentally conscious option for block play.
Magnetic Tiles: Unique snap-together mechanisms allow for complex geometric structures and foster spatial reasoning. Can be more expensive than other options.
Foam Blocks: While lightweight foam blocks can be popular, their tendency to topple easily can disrupt the building process and potentially frustrate children. Also, concerns exist about potential chemical exposure (e.g. phthalates) in certain foam products. We do not recommend foam blocks for these reasons.
Our Building Block Picks!
1. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Set: Classic wooden blocks in 4 colors and 9 shapes, encouraging open-ended creativity and screen-free play. Available here on Amazon.com
2. KEVA Contraptions 50 Plank Set: Simple but highly underrated, wooden planks to explore balance, momentum, and chain reactions through playful tinkering. Available here on Amazon.com
3. LEGO DUPLO or LEGO Classic: LEGO bricks offer endless play value, growing with your child’s imagination and interests. LEGO DUPLO are chunky, colorful bricks (minimizing choking hazards) perfect for little hands to grasp and build with, fostering early motor skills and creativity. Available here on Amazon.com
4. Melissa & Doug Jumbo Cardboard Blocks: Sturdy, oversized blocks that are loads of fun and offer endless building possibilities for little architects and engineers of all ages. Available here on Amazon.com
5. Magna-Tiles Classic Construction Set: Transparent magnetic tiles that promote spatial reasoning and complex structures while fostering color recognition and light exploration. Available here on Amazon.com
