Block Play: Articles

Block Play: More Resources

The Block Book Hirsch, E.(1996): Perhaps the most important book on block use in early childhood education.This expanded and updated classic helps teachers discover exciting possibilities for block play. It details the rich contributions of blocks to creativity and dramatic play as well as to science, math, social studies, and other learning domains. Includes practical tips for equipping and organizing the block area.

Building Structures with Young Children by Chalufour, Ingrid and Worth, Karen (2004).: This second topic in the Young Scientist series, Building Structures with Young Children guides children’s explorations to help deepen their understanding of the physical science present in building block structures-including concepts such as gravity, stability, and balance.

Exploring Learning: Young Children and Blockplay, Gura, P (editor) (1992).: This book helps parents and teachers to understand what children learn through block play. Together with the Foebel Blockplay Research Group, the author presents an interpretive account of a collaborative action-research project into children's block play. It also contains an extensive bibliography and many examples of how the Froebel theories work themselves out practically in the children's block area.

A Constructivist Approach to Block Play in Early Childhood, Wellhousen, Karyn Ph.D.; Kieff, Judith Ed.D. (2002).: This book is a fresh reminder of the importance of child-initiated learning as seen in block building. Educators and parents will benefit from this comprehensive look at theoretical and practical ways of using building materials in infant/toddler programs, in preschools and primary grade classrooms, and with children with special needs and abilities. Theories into Practice activities help the user take those important first steps to implementing the strategies discussed.

Block Play: The Complete Guide to Learning and Playing with Blocks. MacDonald, S. (2001): A rich resource for idea-stumped teachers, offering over 50 activities to enhance preschool and kindergarten block areas, with accompanying descriptions of what children learn in each activity.

The Complete Learning Center Book. Isbell, Rebecca. (1995): Another great teacher’s book from Gryphon House...has lots of great and easy-to-implement ideas for the preschool classroom.

Foundations: The Value of Unit Block Play.: Free CD-Rom from Community Playthings. This CD-ROM provides an educational and understanding view of the true value of block play in children's lives. Convinces teachers of the necessity of block play and unlocks the educational possibilities hidden within their block areas. Order by mail or view video online.

Beginnings Workshop, “Block Play”, CCIE Exchange May/June 1995: 35-54.: Five timeless articles on block play available for a small fee from CCIE online.

Changes, Changes. Hutchins, Pat. (1987): A wonderful story without words....find this rare, classic on Amazon.com. A ''must'' for your block area.

Architect of the Moon. Wynne-Jones, T.(1991): Another great addition to have on hand in your block area. Brave block-builder David Finebloom receives a message from the moon that it is falling apart and rushes off to help. Illustrations complement well the understated storyline and create a recognizable experience for children. Architect of the Moon presents a fresh vision of a child's world in an easy partnership of words and pictures.

Building a House Barton, Byron. (1990): While not specifically about block play, the bright pictures and very little text make this book a great addition to young builders in your block area.

Learning Materials Workshop: After you have your basic Unit Blocks, this is a source for other learning products based on sound theory.