8 Tips & Benefits of Block Play in the EYFS | #CP

While playing with toy blocks may seem to be a rather simple concept, there is no doubt that it offers a host of benefits to children currently within the EYFS framework. Let's look at eight interesting (and surprising) advantages.

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Attention

Children will normally become highly engrossed with this activity, as it allows them to create something from scratch. Therefore, block play is one of the most effective ways to increase attention spans.

Cooperation

Children will often work together when constructing objects such as houses and castles. They will also be introduced to the concepts of sharing and cooperation. These are critical social skills which should be embraced at an early age.

Improved Motor Skills

Children develop hand-eye coordination when playing with toy blocks. Both gross and fine motor skills can be improved in this manner. This will help children to better perform everyday tasks that are required of them (such as washing their faces, placing an object back into a cubby or even writing their names).

A Basic Understanding of Science

Believe it or not, block play will also provide children with an innate and passive understanding of scientific concepts such as balance, gravity and perhaps most importantly, cause and effect. Teaches can likewise proactively monitor their progress with the help of Tinytracker EYFS tracking software; enabling them to better identify any areas that may require one-on-one attention.

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Numbers and Maths

Children will actually begin absorbing basic mathematical concepts well before standardised classes. Playing with blocks enables them to appreciate notion such as addition and subtraction. It also allows children to learn about size, length and width. These concepts can all be grouped into an approach known as "construction play".

Language and Communication

Children will often work together when building objects with blocks. They learn to appreciate why coordination with their peers is important. They will also understand how solving problems can be much easier when they have help. This is likewise an excellent way to strengthen communication skills and to bond with their classmates.

Self-Esteem

Block play has also been shown to boost levels of self-esteem. Children will be proud of what they have created and show off their skills to others. Fostering this sense of positivity will provide a strong background for future emotional development.

Visual Acuity

Children will likewise learn spatial orientation while identifying which blocks are the most appropriate for a specific project. They may even soon learn to build more complicated structures such as windows, roofs and bridges. These visual skills will obviously come in handy as they progress throughout the educational system.

Photo by Ryan Fields on Unsplash

Block play is an important portion of the overall EYFS framework and thankfully, this activity is extremely fun for children. They are encouraged to interact with the environment and as a result, they will be imbued with a host of unique skills. It is now clear to understand why children have been playing with blocks for thousands of years

Karl Young

Part-time daddy and lifestyle blogger. Father of 2 boys under 2. Golfer, scare-fan, tea-lover, traveller, squash and poker player. I write on the @HuffPostUK http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/karl-young/

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