Block Play
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Busy Bees have developed a blockplay programme that has been designed to enhance a child’s individuality and creativity, as blocks appeal to each child in their own way, whatever their learning approach.
Children have the use of quality wooden blocks, displayed in a specially designed unit, as researched has shown that the presentation of blocks can have an impact on how the children use and value them. The children use the blocks to re-create shapes, following unique patterns developed by Busy Bees. Children are encouraged to carry blocks to and from different areas, allowing them to explore volume and weight, and build towers, which will introduce height and awareness of space.
Blockplay helps to develop a child's confidence and independent thinking, as there is no correct use of blocks. This encourages a variety of responses from the children, allowing them to experiment with concepts such as shapes, balance, symmetry and design.
Blockplay is attributed to many areas of learning, including mathematics, communication, and motor skills such as lifting, stacking and balancing. It encourages children to not only work independently, but as part of a team, where they learn to communicate, problem solve, share and listen to each others ideas.
Busy Bees have developed the programme working closely with Stella Louis, an Early Years Consultant and Trainer for the London Borough of Southwark. Stella co-wrote "Again Again" a book that helps practitioners develop an understanding of schemes that will achieve the best learning opportunities for each individual child.
Stalla Believes that the Busy Bees programme will help child development, commenting "Blockplay can benefit young children to by helping them to develop a deeper understanding of concepts such as weight, size, space, shape, position and patterns. Through play, children will experiment with positioning blocks and learn about shapes. Adults should support and extend vocabulary with words that relate to size and weight. That way, children develop a practical understanding of early mathematical and scientific concepts through play and exploration."
On top of all the learning experiences that blockplay offers, children find block building lots of fun, not only creating a positive learning experience, but also allowing development through play.
