Block Play research & case studies

Early years curriculum materials - Queensland Government/Queensland Studies Authority

Case study pdf : using blocks - scaffolding children's block play to develop their strategies for planning, thinking, problem solving, cooperating, reflecting and presenting.

Understanding and supporting block play: video observation research on preschoolers’ block play to identify features associated with the development of abstract thinking

Research accessed via the Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA)- (Otsuka & Jay, 2016)

'The article presents three episodes to demonstrate three dominating features, which are i) child/child sharing of thinking and adult and child sharing ofthinking; ii) pause for reflection; and iii) satisfaction as a result of self-directed play. These features were identified as signs of learning, and were highlighted as phenomena that can help practitioners to understand the value of quality play and so provide adequate time and space for young children and plan for a meaningful learning environment. The study has also revealed the importance of block play in promoting abstract thinking.'

Influences of Block Play on Academic Learning in Preschool

MA in Education: Early Childhood Education, Concordia University, St. Paul by Kelsey Rasmuson (2019)

' The researcher, although it was limited, found academic benefits for foster reading and mathematics skills. Chapter Two reviewed the research in the areas of literacy and mathematics. Block play was beneficial to emergent literacy skills such as symbolic representation, oral language, and by incorporating literature materials in the block play area. Furthermore, block play influences mathematics skills specifically in the areas of spatial awareness, problem solving, and complexity.'

Using block play to enhance preschool children’s mathematics and executive functioning: A randomized controlled trial

Early Childhood Research Quarterly - Volume 44, 3rd Quarter 2018, Pages 181-191

Authors: Sara A.Schmitt, IremKorucu, Amy R.Napoli, Lindsey M.Bryant, David J.Purpura

Abstract only available.