Is Grandma asking what to buy your child as a birthday present? Does your child already have plenty of toys and never know which to play with? Whatever the circumstances, the answer is blocks. This seemingly straightforward toy comes with a bucketful of benefits. Encourage your child to play with blocks for the following reasons.
1. BLOCKS STRENGTHEN DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
Blocks may be simple, but playing with them strengthens many areas of your child’s development, including:
Eye and hand coordinationFine motor skillsSpatial awarenessCreativity and imaginationLanguage skillsAbility to solve problems
There are very few toys that are able to nurture so many skills at once.
2. BLOCKS PROMOTE STEMSSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Educators are trying to encourage more interest in these fields through various activities. Even children as young as preschoolers and toddlers can begin these subjects through building with blocks. Also, manipulating real objects, as opposed to playing simulated games, stimulates the areas of the brain associated with STEM learning.
3. BLOCKS TEACH SOCIAL SKILLS
Just as important is your child’s social skills. Children often play with blocks in groups, giving them opportunities to practice:
Conversation
Cooperation
Teamwork
Collaboration
Sharing
To learn more ways you can boost your child’s physical, mental and emotional development, call Kids Express Leaning Center at 608-845-3245.
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