They are made especially for young children and are often seen in infant classrooms. Cloth blocks: Cloth blocks are soft and easy to grip.They usually come flat, and you have to fold them to put them together. Cardboard blocks are made of densely folded corrugated cardboard. Cardboard blocks: Like hollow blocks, cardboard blocks can be used to build life-size constructions.Because they are smaller than unit blocks, they may be more appropriately sized for play on tables or in small spaces. These blocks may come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Tabletop blocks: Wooden blocks that are not made in standard unit sizes are known as tabletop (or table) blocks.In addition to unit blocks, these are some other common tools used for construction in child care settings. Other Construction Options for Young Children Some sets of foam blocks use standard unit block measurements. Large hollow blocks may have either open or closed edges.įoam blocks: Foam blocks are soft and lightweight and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are hollow in order to reduce their weight. The blocks are large enough for a child to stand on and can be used to build life-sized structures. Large hollow blocks: These blocks are large enough that young children will need to carry them with two hands. Each block is a fraction of the standard unit (such as a quarter unit or half unit) or a multiple of the standard unit (such as a double unit or quadruple unit). Unit blocks: The most basic blocks are made from solid hardwood so they will last for years, if not a lifetime. They are called “unit blocks” because they are built on the same basic standard of measurement. Toddlers and 2-year-olds may be better off with foam, cardboard, or cloth blocks. Small pieces can be a choking hazard, especially for children under age 3. Be especially cautious with building bricks and other small building materials. For example, toddlers may not be the best audience for large hollow wooden blocks because they may be too heavy for them to lift and carry. Be aware of the age of the children in your classroom when choosing blocks. Different Types of Blocksīelow are some examples of the many types of blocks you can find for your child care classroom. If you are in a child care center that cannot afford several different types of blocks in each classroom, a great way to get variety is to supply each classroom with a different type and rotate them between classrooms on a regular schedule. Different blocks and building materials can be used for different purposes. Ideally, each class should have a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. How Many Blocks Are Needed?Īs a general rule, 2-year-olds should have at least 200 blocks available to them, 3-year-olds should have at least 300, and children 4 years old and up should have at least 400. Blocks are a great way for children to strengthen gross and fine motor skills, practice science concepts such as weight and balance, and work together to create increasingly complex structures. With a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from, blocks can provide hours of fun on their own, even before adding manipulatives and other items to them. We provide field trips and classroom visitors to enhance our themes.Blocks should be a staple material in almost every child care classroom. We learn art, science, math, writing, reading, routines, social skills, and large motor development all through hands on activities and social interaction between peers. The 4K classroom runs for 2 1/2 hours and is a wonderful precursor to beginning 5K. We work on playing cooperatively together, sitting for stories, following simple directions, hand washing, and so much more! The children in this room are loved and welcomed as they work toward their developmental goals. Many children this age have not had much exposure to being away from their parents. The 3 yr old Preschool Room is designed to give learners ages 3-4 an opportunity to experience a preschool routine, maybe for the first time. Preschool children must provide their own transportation. Busing to 4K is available for any 4K student in our area. The 4K has an Am and Pm session that runs for 2 1/2 hours in partnership with the WI Rapids School District. We have a 3yr old preschool and a 4K classroom. Off-site building, located at Pitsch ElementaryĪt Lots of Tots, we have 2 rooms.
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