Block Work

Evie has long given up her daysleeps, so the days that she does nod off is very precious time to me. So an activity that Finn can become absorbed in for hours is block construction. I put on an audio book (Roald Dahl) My children lead such busy, social and noisy lives- it is so nice for them to have quiet, uninterrupted time on their own creating and thinking.

Construction

Finn loves building and constructing with his wooden blocks (these are a cheap set from Toys R Us), and I got thinking about the many skills they have for children including: developing fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination, spacial awareness, creative problem solving, language, mathematical and social skills.

I put Finn in a playpen so his 8 month old sister doesn't knock everything down.  

As well as building, encourage your child to sort the blocks into sets (by colour or shape), incorporate other toys into the play - such as a toy dump-truck which can be used in transporting the blocks to a 'construction site'.

You can also use smooth sticks, small logs and branches to create fences, roads and bridges.

I love these beautiful hand crafted blocks from etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62016060/organic-building-blocks-32-piece-classic 

Finn has also been building on a larger scale: 

a fort out of sticks and bark for outdoor play,

 

mountain ranges and cubby-houses out of cushions, sofas, and sheets for indoor play.