All kids want to play with building blocks from ages two to twelve. That’s a great thing because block play stimulates
- imagination
- creativity
- visual discrimination,
- math and science skills,
- map skills, gross motor skills,
- fine motor skills and
- eye-hand coordination. (Gaffney-Ansel, 1993)
It’s true!
Kids of all ages, even elementary-aged children, benefit socially, physically, creatively, and cognitively from block play. But since older kids need more advanced building blocks than younger kids, I highly recommend the ArchiQuest architectural blocks for them.
The ArchiQuest blocks add in the complexity of new shapes and unique culturally-based designs which my kids find fascinating – and a good challenge. They are hand-painted to match a historical period such as medieval, gothic, or Tsar-era Russa. Plus, with the sets comes an accompanying book to explain the culture and historical time period and give design ideas.
I love the book addition because while my kids build elaborate Kings and Castles Medieval Europe structures, they also learn design ideas and information about medieval life and medieval symbols such as the fleur de lis, the stag and lion symbols, a coat of arms, a barbican (walled passageway,) and murder holes. Now their block play experience is rich with historical learning and architectural planning. Priceless.
We’re addicted to medieval Europe right now because of these blocks. However, if that isn’t your thing, investigate the Dragons, Czars, and Arches set (shown above) inspired by Roman and Russian architecture or the Presidents and United States Capitol (shown below) for your house. Wouldn’t the Capitol blocks be perfect if you’re visiting Washington D.C. or studying government?
Want to learn more about block play? Here are a few more resources.
Learning Through Block Play by Janis R. Bullock
Block Play: Building a Child’s Mind
Happy building!
2 Comments.