Toys: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth? Part 3
Blocks are so important to building a child’s skills through play, that I’ve used them to assess whether or not a child was developing on track. Yes, that important.
From the small wooden cubes that babies instinctively like to stack to the brick-sized cardboard ones that are perfect for team projects, blocks are… well… um, a building block of your child’s development across multiple domains.
You should expect your money’s worth out of blocks. That means all blocks, large and small, should be versatile, durable, non-toxic, a pleasure to touch and manipulate, well-made (splinter-free!), and able to hold up under a toddler’s weight (yes, they will stand on them). The best blocks sets will have many assortments that you can purchase in future years to enlarge your child’s collection and imagination.
Unit blocks
These blocks come in sizes that reflect the mathematical (or proportional) relationship between the blocks. There are several of a basic size, then several blocks that are twice the basic size, then even more that are twice the middle size. I love the way these blocks will either reinforce math concepts if your child is ready to “get” them, or the blocks are content to wait patiently until your child is ready. They are fun to handle regardless of where your child is in his learning process.
Brick-like blocks
These blocks tend to be rectangular, and varied in size within the same set. Some are decorated like bricks, and they are usually made of cardboard. Many come unconstructed, or able to be deconstructed. In my opinion, having your child help you put the blocks together in preparation for playing with them someday is a valuable lesson in stewardship.
Tips and suggestions for block play (not that your kid will need any!)
Small blocks
- See how many wooden cubes your 6-month old can stack. You’ll be surprised — it’s not a skill that babies spend a lot of time on, but it is one they can quickly master.
- Talk to your older baby or toddler about the shapes of the blocks.
- Talk to your toddler about the sizes of the blocks. “Smaller,” and “bigger” are important concepts.
- Ask your toddler to match the blocks by size.
Larger blocks:
- Build a wall.
- Make a yellow brick road, or a colorful brick road. Your child will love trying to walk on it without falling off.
- Count the sides of the blocks for your child.
- Ask your preschooler to match the blocks by shape, regardless of size.
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Carly Jennings | Cognitive Development | 
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