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Playcentre Media Releases
For further information or to submit a media release please contact the Federation Media Officer,
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| Make the most of blocks | | 8th Jun 2008 | Make the most of blocks
The value of simple wooden blocks for children’s play can easily be overlooked.
Now a Wellington author has produced a book to help educators make the most of this invaluable activity for young children.
A book on providing block play has been added to the ever-popular 'Areas of Play' series, published by the New Zealand Playcentre Federation.
Inspired to build: Unlocking the potential of block play was written by Maureen Woodhams.
“It’s very important that children have experiences with concrete materials such as blocks because that’s how they shape some of their basic understandings about the world,” Woodhams says.
“Free wooden blocks are only limited by the imagination that the child brings to their play,” she says. “Besides construction, blocks help children learn about maths, science, creativity, social learning and much more. Both boys and girls enjoy using them and the block area of a play setting is a stimulating place for children of all ages, from infants up to school age.”
“Wooden blocks are also very economical because, with a little maintenance, a good set can last for 50 years and in that time provide an infinite range of building and learning possibilities. In this age of plastic, manufactured toys, wooden blocks also provide a connection for children with the natural world.”
“Parents and educators may not have seen blocks used to their potential, so this book is designed to give the inspiration and information to help them use blocks to the max.”
Maureen Woodhams is a Wellington mother, early childhood teacher and Playcentre volunteer. She was active at Brooklyn Playcentre (one of 500 such centres in New Zealand) for many years with her four children before completing a diploma of teaching in early childhood education, and she is currently studying towards a masters of education degree.
The new book was one of two launched by Playcentre Publications, the publishing arm of the New Zealand Playcentre Federation at the Federation’s 60th anniversary conference in Auckland this past weekend.
Other books in the Area of Play series include titles on Collage, Clay, Music, Cooking, Woodwork and Creativity.
For further information on these, or other, Playcentre books, see www.playcentre.org.nz or e-mail publications@playcentre.org.nz. |
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