Block play is an aspect of loose parts play which supports children’s learning and provides a range of opportunities and experiences in different development areas:
STEM activities can be observed when watching children using blocks in stacking, sorting & counting activities
language development - discussion, description and new vocabulary
physicality - gross motor and fine motor skills
problem solving and risk awareness: will the stack topple over?
social and emotional - as children play together negotiations, turn-taking and sharing blocks can all be observed
imaginative play & storytelling
Nature blocks
Muddy Faces recognises the importance of block play and construction and have developed a range of UK-grown wood construction and block play resources. In 2022 we re-developed our Noggins range and re-branded them as Nature Blocks.
Nature Blocks enables 'unit block' play as many of the pieces are designed at standard heights (2cm, 5cm and 10cm) so they can be stacked to work as 'units'.