As adults, we often forget the importance of a child’s play. They’re just blocks – he builds them up and knocks them down right after. Then he does it all over again. What could he possibly be learning? The answer: LOTS! Building blocks help boost creativity as children as blocks are never mere blocks to a young mind, but are castles, trains, and dinosaurs. Blocks also cultivate problem-solving skills as children figure out through trial and error how to make the different shapes fit together. It also introduces early math skills such as matching, sorting and counting. Science concepts are also introduced through block play as children witness firsthand gravity and physics at work. In younger children, blocks also help develop fine and gross motor skills as children use their fingers, hands and arms to reach for blocks, lift them and move them around.

Research has shown that play activities are essential to the development and growth of children. The play that children engage in stimulates connections in their brains and influences the development of fine and gross motor skills, language, cognitive skills, social-emotional skills and more. As children immerse themselves in play, they are encouraged to solve problems, create new things and gain a much deeper understanding of the world around them. Children are given the opportunity to explore new experiences, to be active, make independent choices and practice skills that they are learning through their play.

Play that links art, music, language, science, math and social-emotional experiences provides an ideal setting for brain development.

Play should:

• Be self-chosen and self-directed. Voluntary, spontaneous, yet purposeful play honors a child’s freedom to explore his/her environment independently;
• Expand creativity by promoting problem-solving skills, social-emotional skills, language skills and physical skills;
• Encourage children to use their imagination;
• Help children learn to cooperate with others through taking turns, sharing, etc.

Fred Rogers, more famously known as Mr. Rogers, said this about play: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Play is more than just a means to entertain children – it is how children learn, grow and develop into well-rounded adults; it must be encouraged as much as possible and allowed to happen without much interference. Play is the basis for a child’s learning – the building blocks to their growth and development.

Check out these wonderful toys/materials from our Wild Roots Toy Shop:

1. Natural Wood Block Set
2. Rainbow Stacking Wooden Blocks
3. Wooden Car Rocket Chariot
4. Colorful Wooden Xylophone
5. Wooden Box of Tools
6. Flower Painting Stamp Brushes
7. Crochet Easter Egg Rattle Shakers
8. Colorful Hand Bells Set
9. Babushka Russian Nesting Doll Set
10. Stretchable Rotating Kaleidoscope