Block Play: How building blocks help with developmental skills

I am pretty positive I have never met a child who doesn’t like blocks. Blocks are one of the items that we always have out. To keep the children engaged we switch out the type of blocks we have out periodically, but always having an option of blocks is a must. This also allows block play to remain open ended. The children know where they can access blocks and get creative with how they use them each time they pull them out. 

One of my favorite things about BiOBUDDi building blocks is the tangible way you can see a child’s development through them. Just as there are progressive stages of physical development, there are also progressive stages of development through block play. 

What you'll need

• BiOBUDDi Building Blocks

The Various Stages of Development Through Block Play for babies and toddlers age 18-24 months

Stage 1: Tote and Carry. This stage is usually for infants and toddlers 18-24 months. At this stage the child is using the blocks by carrying them from place to place. Maybe they are adding the blocks to a grocery cart and wheeling them around, or adding them to a basket and carrying them from place to place. 

Stage 2: Building. This is when building begins. The child will begin stacking blocks on top of each other to create one vertical tower. This typically starts around age two.

Stage 3: Bridging. At this stage a child a begins forming bridges by connecting two pieces by a third piece. This usually happens around 2.5-3 years of age.

Stage 4: Enclosures. This is the stage when children begin to form enclosures with their blocks. At this stage they may also begin adding an element of dramatic play into their block play by adding things such as animals or cars with their enclosures.

Stage 5: Representational Building. This stage of block play is when structures not only have bridging, but exemplify forms of symmetry, balance and consistency in their structures. Their building blocks represent building structures more fully at this stage. 

Stage 6: Complex Structures. At this stage children are adding complex structures to their building. This could be adding a curve rather than straight lines, having multiple levels in their structures, and even mixing blocks such as foam blocks with wooden blocks or adding other various elements to a more detailed structure. 

As blocks become a consistent thing in your home, you will be able to see this progressive stages of block play with your child. I love watching as they progress from stage 1 through stage 6! It’s such a fun part of development! Figure out a place in your home where your blocks can always be and sit back and watch the magic of block play unfold with your child. 

RyLee Matangi is a Child Development Specialist & Blogger. Find her work on purposefultoys.com

Our BiOBUDDi Learning The Build sets are part of our BiOBUDDi Building Block collection. BiOBUDDi are 100% eco-friendly toy blocks for children. They are toys that do not harm our environment. BiOBUDDi green biobased toys are derived from plants. Even the packaging, stickers and instructions are eco-friendly!