For literally hundreds of years, building blocks have been some of the favourite toys among kids due to the fact they are both fun and educational, especially for babies and toddlers. They are affordable, available all over the world and entertaining for both boys and girls, but they have other benefits as well. Here are just some of the biggest reasons to encourage your babies and toddlers to play with building blocks.
Mental stimulation
When playing with building blocks, your child learns a lot about logical thinking. As a child tries to build something and as they watch the blocks topple over every time, they will learn to adjust their building ways and arrange the blocks in a different way. An older toddler will learn that a stronger base makes a better construction and allows their building to go higher. When they realise that logical thinking brings good results, they will aspire to use it in other spheres of their young lives and do well in school and later in life. Plus, keeping a young brain engaged and challenged is the best way to boost development.
Language skill improvement
According to certain studies, kids that play with building blocks during playtime develop better language and mathematical skills than their peers who play with other types of toys. Experts aren’t clear on why this happens but they have some ideas. Kids that use building blocks, especially when playing with older kids and parents, learn the names of colours, shapes, sizes and structures. Some blocks even have animals, letters and numbers on them which helps build a broader vocabulary. Kids that play with these toys also have a better understanding of spatial language and relationships. Parents who played with their kids with building blocks and used relevant spatial vocabulary report that their kids tend to use better spatial language themselves.
Math skill improvement
Mathematical skills will be encouraged when a child learns to add or subtract certain blocks necessary for construction. If you look at building toys from this perspective, you can see why they are excellent tools for maths skills improvement. However, not all building blocks are made the same. If you want to invest in best blocks, check out the reviews of building toys at Funtastic Toy and you’ll see which ones fit your child’s age and needs best. Choose those that come in different shapes, colours and sizes for the best effect.
Motor skill improvement
One of the main games kids play with building blocks is constructing a tower or a house which requires putting the blocks in a position that won’t allow them to fall over. This task not only requires logical thinking but also good hand-eye coordination that improves the more the child plays. Even the simple tasks as grabbing the block, spinning it around in hands and placing on a particular place is a great motor skill exercise that improves grip and strengthens fingers and hands.
Social skill improvement
What’s great about building blocks is that they are a toy that can be shared with others and enjoyed in pairs or groups. If you encourage kids to play together, they learn how to interact, share and cooperate with other kids which is great preparation for pre-school and school. Playing with building blocks in a group is the first form of teamwork your kid will ever experience. This is also a great toy that encourages family play since everyone can have fun with blocks and spend some quality time together.
Creativity boost
Creating different structures and putting together different shapes and colors will stimulate your child’s creativity. While many think creativity is a gift, it’s actually a skill that can be practiced and encouraged, especially while kids are young. So, building blocks are a great way to nurture both your kid’s creative and logical skills and abilities.
For such a simple toy, building blocks offer so many amazing benefits for kids of all ages, from babies to toddlers and school kids. It’s great to know that something that doesn’t have buttons and screens can provide 21st-century kids with so much fun and education.
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