Blocks
Blocks provide rich experiences to children and teachers and build a foundation for lifelong learning. Yet, there isn’t an early childhood teacher who won’t admit that those blocks are her arch nemesis. The recommended number of blocks is daunting when it comes to clean-up time, and woe to the ECERS score for random shelving. Don’t you wonder about those classrooms you visit where the block area looks like it jumped off of a catalog page? So, what is your roadblock to block play? How can you rethink that area of your classroom? Have you spent quality time there, really immersed in the play or observing and noticing how the children use that area? When was the last time you and the children explored the potential of blocks as learning tools? How can you celebrate this often overlooked staple in the early childhood classroom?
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday.
Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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