Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Scenic Blocks

Blocks are part of an elite list of "must have basic toys" that I have seen come up time and again. (Like here, here, and here.) They are helpful in a child learning some basics related to math, among other things. (More info here.)

 My boys got a new set of blocks for Christmas and another matching set for a birthday. Our previous sets were 1 - just a regular set of alphabet blocks (great, but you can't build a  ton with them) and 2 - a set of clearly homemade ones that I found at the thrift store (which I have more to post about on another day).
One day they wanted to do something new with the blocks. We had a deck of scenic cards I had picked up in the dollar section at Target out. So, we decided to recreate the scenes with blocks.
It was really a lot of fun. My son like picking out the next card to use and we'd try to figure out how we could sort of make our structure resemble the picture.
I think this one might have been my favorite. The animal needed antlers so we added some Nerf darts to the block mix.
They are all a bit abstract and that was part of the fun. Obviously this can be recreated in so many different ways. Find some animal pictures or just think them up and try to make them. As I kid I remember making pretend meals (though our blocks were colored).
My son was a little more loving after this because I got down on the floor and played with him and really focused on just him. That one-on-one time is a precious thing and I always feel good when I have it with my kiddos.
I have some other block ideas that you will see pop up in the next few weeks.

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