Wooden Blocks: How to use this playroom essential

Wooden blocks have been a beloved toy for children for centuries, and for good reason. They are versatile, durable, and can be used in countless ways to encourage creativity and learning. At Playroom Avenue we carry a variety of blocks from Guidecraft and Everwood Friends. Both companies make classic blocks and notch blocks. They are interchangeable because they both use a standard system of measurement.

In this blog post, we will share a few of the different ways for children to interact with wooden blocks.

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to play with wooden blocks is to let children play freely with them. Give children a pile of blocks and watch their imaginations take over. You can vary the amount of blocks offered based on the child's age. While a very young child may only need a few blocks to build a simple tower, an older child may need a large variety of blocks to create cities, high towers, and complex structures. Free play allows children to develop their spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and imaginative thinking.

Another way to play with wooden blocks is to sort and match them. They can be matched by shape or color depending on your block set. This is a great activity for younger children who are just learning about shapes, colors, and patterns. 

Building patterns with wooden blocks is a fun way to develop spatial reasoning skills. Children can start with simple patterns, like alternating colors or shapes, and work their way up to more complex patterns. You can also introduce symmetry by asking children to build mirrored patterns.

Wooden blocks are great for STEM activities. Children can build simple machines, like ramps and levers, or they can explore balance and stability by building structures that won't topple over. These activities help children develop their understanding of physics and engineering.

Wooden blocks can also be used to tell stories. Children can build a scene or a character using the blocks and then create a story around it. This type of play encourages creativity, language development, and social skills.

Playing with wooden blocks can also be a great opportunity for cooperative play. Children can work together to build a structure or solve a problem. This type of play helps children develop their communication and teamwork skills.

Wooden blocks are as versatile as they are timeless. They are a playroom essential that can be used in countless ways to encourage creativity, learning, and fun. No matter how children choose to play with blocks, they are sure to develop key skills like spacial awareness, creativity, teamwork, and more.