Block Play in Early Learning School Classroom 3A

"Block play is an essential part of our Preschool classroom and helps students develop skills needed for their development. At Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, we encourage students to utilize the materials provided to build, play, and engage with peers. 

As a school readiness program we use the CT Early Learning & Development Standards to plan experiences in the classroom and the CT DOTs to assess children. This allows use to help students progress at their own pace as we scaffold their learning and help prepare them for Kindergarten.

Do you only see play in these images? That’s the work of a child- they engage in the world through play. Building a structure takes fine motor skills and allows students to experiment with balance and hand-eye coordination.

In Preschool Room 3A, we expanded this center to accommodate six students since it's such a high interest area. This also allows children to better engage with peers through imaginative play. The students inspire each other with what they have created or even what they noticed about materials. 

For instance, students used the wooden ramps to race the cars and different sized balls as they experimented with energy and force in motion. They then selected other materials, such as a small pumpkin, to test if it could also roll down the ramp. Setting up the classroom as the "third teacher" lets students explore independently and make observations that lead to learning. This is all through play which comes naturally to children at this age.

It’s important for students to interact with peers to build their social and emotional skills. When using many of the same materials, they must cooperate with peers and resolve conflicts.

We use students' interests to help design and plan our classroom. Trains not only help encourage students to play, but also allow for problem solving and designing. Enuel used the train blocks and ramps to create bridges on his track. After multiple experiences and attempts, he is aware that blocks are needed to help balance the tracks and keep them in place."

-Ms. Lopez

Head Teacher, Preschool 3A

Check out our video on YouTube to see Ms. Lopez's classroom in action!