Babies aren’t the only ones who enjoy blocks. Most children and even some adults get considerable enjoyment playing with blocks. You can build all kinds of things with blocks — towers, bridges, houses and anything else you can think of.
And while you are doing these, especially if you are doing it with someone older than you, you are learning. This is why parents are essential: They are right there to help their child learn.
Because researchers have learned the power of playing with blocks of different sizes and what a child can learn, a new program was developed called BLOCK Fest. It is a program that involves parents as well as the children.
It is especially designed to help children from 8 months to 8 years of age learn about math and science. The parents learn how to be effective helpers as the child plays with the blocks. The program was developed by the University of Idaho.
Parenting Matters is fortunate to have received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide BLOCK Fest throughout Clallam County. Sequim is fortunate because on Feb. 28 we will have our first BLOCK Fest here at Helen Haller Elementary School.
Children go through various stages of block play. After they learn Stage 1, they are ready to move on to the next stage. It is an interesting developmental change you can see as your child grows more mature but still enjoys block play.
Learning components
When children use the blocks, they learn about counting, estimating, equality, adding, planning and more math concepts. They learn about science ideas of comparing, predicting, problem solving, weighing and balancing.
They even learn about literacy as they learn about listening, elaborating, retelling and sequencing. In addition to all of that, they learn about people and things as they play with others, play pretend and help others.
Parents help by asking questions such as, “Tell us a story about your castle” or “What would happen if we put a round block on top of the tower?” or “How many more blocks will you need to make that fence?”
Parents in the first two sessions we have held in Port Angeles say that their child at BLOCK Fest learned about taking turns, focusing, sharing, sorting, problem solving, counting, being creative, balancing and more.
They also said they would like other parents to know that BLOCK Fest is good for a child’s skills, they would recommend it, it is very educational, it’s a fun way to play with your child, it’s a good chance for child to socialize with other children and parents should take their child and go to BLOCK Fest to have fun and let your child teach you. Parents say they see how it helps with math and more.
Get involved
Think about bringing your child or having grandpa or Uncle Jim bring him to BLOCK Fest this month. There are four sessions at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. You need to sign up ahead of time with Marilyn Walsh at 582-3262 or e-mail her at mwalsh@sequim.k12.wa.us or at First Teacher at 681-2250 or pmf@olypen.com.
The event is sponsored by Parenting Matters Foundation and the First Teacher program, the Sequim School District, the Parent-Teacher Organization at Helen Haller Elementary School and the Parent-Teacher Association at Greywolf Elementary School.
There will be another session later at Greywolf Elementary so if you miss this one, you have another chance. Call today to make sure you have a spot on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Most parents know the importance of reading with their child. This is a chance to prepare your child for school in another way. You will learn about math, science, literacy and getting along with others and you will have fun while you learn.
The skills you learn as a parent will help in many areas of raising your child. You will be surprised how much you can do as you join your child to play with blocks together.
Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.
