![]() ![]() If I am in our block area, that's where they will be. I just sit there quietly and read on my phone or read a book to them. When I notice my children haven't been building a lot, I do one thing and it works EVERY TIME. Remain interested, but do your own thing. Once they get going, you can slowly step back and let them go. Try to mirror their block building behavior. With reluctant builders, I might 'pre-build.' That means I might lay out a very simple structure and ask the child how they can add to it. Will it be a house for stuffed animals or a parking garage for their race cars? Will they build flat or will their building be tall? Show them how you've arranged the materials. Invite your child into the space that you have created. The most important thing is that each shape is visually represented and can be easily accessed by the child. ![]() I try to make sure the larger, heavier blocks are on the bottom, but I'm not sure it really matters. You can organize them in a manner that makes sense for you and your child. When you have your shelf in place, lay out the blocks according to shape and size. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world in how your child will use the blocks. However you decide to obtain a shelf, just get one. Tip: Check out your local Facebook swap sites for a hand me down. You can use a shelf designed for blocks like this one, or use one that you already have. My father-in-law built us a custom shelf to house our blocks (love him so much). Once you have them sorted by shape, decide on a shelving system. Your child can help you or you can grab a coffee and go it alone while listening to an awesome podcast. ![]() I think most homes have an abandoned pile of wooden blocks somewhere in the playroom. How do you store your blocks? Are they all dumped into a bin, stuffed behind the trucks and puzzles? You are not alone. (My sister put her block area in an enclosed pen to keep the little ones out and the builders building! Genius.). ![]() Maybe you could put a small block shelf in your child's bedroom or perhaps in an area of the house that their little sibling cannot access. If there are little siblings in the picture, it might help to put this space in an area that is protected from unsteady toddlers or speed crawlers. This space does not have to be large, just make sure it's big enough for your child to move around and build without getting in their own way. Think of it like this… Do you have a designated space where you work? Maybe a desk or a table that holds your computer, important documents, and some reference books? It's easier than just plopping down in the middle of a chaotic, messy room and pulling out your computer, right? Same thing with building and playing. By creating a physical space designed for building, you are helping your child to focus on creating without distraction from their thoughts. It shows your child that you value block play. What is the first thing you feel when you walk into the room? Is there a designated space for block play? How is that space defined? Is the flooring sturdy and even or is it covered in a lumpy, uneven carpet?ĭesignate a space for building. Walk out of the room where your blocks live and then walk back in. ![]()
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