Betty Jones, writing in the Exchange Essentials, “Block Play,” shares these observations about making the most of children’s work with three-dimensional materials:

"With full-size materials children build spaces they can live in, indoors or out. Large hollow wooden blocks — expensive and worth the investment — are the most durable and versatile material. They can be combined in many ways to create houses, sidewalks, walls, and trains...

Blocks can be extended with a variety of less expensive and free materials — boards, crates, large pieces of cardboard, sheets, and blankets (for roofs and doors). Loose parts enable children to become inventors and problem solvers: If there isn't enough room on our bus, how can we make it bigger? If I want my little house all to myself this morning, what can you use to build a little house on your own? The availability of enough loose parts helps adults manage conflicts between children by suggesting new ideas for their play."

This practical, joyful collection of articles offer strategies for infusing early childhood environments and activities with mathematical thinking, through inquiry-based projects and real world exploration.

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