Our Construction Visitor . . .And Why Are Blocks So Important?

We Get a Visitor . . . and We Learn More and More . . .

    

     Shayan's dad came for a visit.  He works in construction, and he came prepared with a lot of tools and so much information to share.  He told us that construction can be dangerous, so he wears a hard hat and an orange vest when he's working.

The children had a lot of comments:

Avraham Chaim:  They're building next to my house!  My dad's a worker.

Shayan's dad:  We need plans, from an architect.

Menny:  I got a new house!

Harper:  I have a purple house.

Dad:  It's a job site.

Emmett:  It's a fixing site!

Dad:  We need bulldozers.

Avraham Chaim: and a raker.

Emmett:  And a dumptruck.

Rafi: And the bulldozer.

Menny:  And a tape-measure!

     Dalia remarked that a worker can't cut the wood wrong.  Shayan's dad agreed--a building would lean over if that happened!  The dad then showed us a variety of wrenches, for all different sizes of bolts.  Dalia noticed that one looked like a fish.  "It's a snip!" the dad told us.
     We then looked at a builders' knife.  Shayan's dad said, "I can change the blades.  I can cut rope, paper, so many things."
     Then he showed us a drill!  It was noisy!  Leah noticed that it had a light attached to it.  Amazing!

      Why did we invite Shayan's dad to visit?  We have been investigating our blocks, and visiting the construction site down the block.  So we were ready to learn more about building, from a professional with first-hand experience.  (Above:  Shane and Shayan work on a single structure consisting of a 2D section, with a 3D section attachment. Notice Shayan's stance as he contemplates the next move.)

     Our Morahs are learning more about block-building, too.  Did you know that there are several areas of development that are enhanced by block-building?  Yes, indeed.

     This is what the research says:  building with blocks promote all aspects of a child's development.
     Math:  shape recognition, symmetry, measurement, size, one-to-one correspondence,
     Language Arts:  sharing ideas, naming buildings, creating stories, creating signs, labeling,
     Social Studies:  mapping
     Science:  balance, experimentation, inclined ramps, stability, gravity,
     Physical development:  hand-eye coordination,
     Social-Emotional Development:  sharing, patience, cooperation, pride of work, respecting peer's          work.
(Above:  Harper explains to the Morah that she needs one square plus four triangles to make each of her mini-towers.)

     We know this is true from our observations--the anecdotal evidence.  We see the children building everyday, and we see the learning as it progresses.  (Shane and Ezra use both wooden blocks and the MagnaTiles while building.)

      We've also noticed how the children's constructions have become more complex.  There are various stages in block-building, and we see how the different elements have been added--spontaneously by the children--as the months have gone by.  (Above, Avraham Chaim has added cars to his construction.  Below, the train tracks and bridges have been integrated into the MagnaTile creations.)

     What are these stages?
     1.  Children carry the blocks from one place to another without a plan.
     2.  Stacking blocks in a row or tower.
     3.  Bridging.
     4.  Enclosures are created.
     5.  Increased height, pattern, balance.
     6.  Dramatic play, structures are named ("It's a garage!"  "Here's the jail!")
     7.  Building structures representing everyday life.

     The Morahs usually like to take notes on the iPad as the children talk about their constructions.  Recently, we've begun something new:  we jot down the children's discussions in front of them, so they can see the writing process.  We ask the children to contribute illustrations, too.  (Above, Menny, Asher and Ezra build; Dalia creates an illustration of the construction.  Look at this cooperation and coordination of skills!) 

                                                    So much learning is going on!

        Morah Susan, Morah Estee, Morah Leah and the amazing builders of Kitah Gimmel

(Work cited:  Introduction to Block Building with Children by Meredith@Homegrown Friends, March 28, 2014)