Building blocks are one of the first "constructive play" activities children encounter. For children aged 0-2, the goal isn't to build tall structures, but rather to experience the warmth, weight, sound, and shape of the wood with all five senses, which is a crucial experience.
Instead of teachers dictating "this is how you must play," creating an environment where children naturally feel "I want to touch it," "I want to arrange them," or "I want to make a sound" allows play to expand organically.
Here are three building block activities that are easy to incorporate into infant classes at daycare centers and certified early childhood education and care centers.
① Experience the Warmth of Wood
Target Age
0-1 year old
Educational Goals
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Familiarize children with natural materials through their touch, scent, and weight.
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Enjoy basic hand and finger movements such as grasping, holding, and releasing building blocks.
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Foster interest and curiosity in familiar objects through the five senses.
Materials
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Large building blocks
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Soft mat
How to Play
The teacher hands blocks to the children, who freely grasp, roll, or make sounds with them. The aim is not to have them stack the blocks, but to value their desire to "touch" them.
Example Phrases for Teachers
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"Wood feels warm, doesn't it?"
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"It's smooth."
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"That makes a nice sound."
Extended Play
Activities like hiding blocks with a cloth and asking "Where is it?" or having children follow a block rolled by the teacher with their eyes are also recommended.
Activity Points (for Teachers)
In infancy, it's more important to "create an environment where children can safely touch materials" than to "teach them how to play." Observe their exploratory activities like touching, grasping, seeing, and hearing at a relaxed pace, according to each child's interest.
Related Five Domains
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Health: Enjoy movements like grasping, holding, and releasing using hands and fingers.
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Environment: Foster interest and curiosity in familiar materials through their touch, scent, weight, and sound.
Considerations
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Use large building blocks to prevent accidental ingestion.