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Caine’s Arcade

9-year-old Caine Monroy spent his summer vacation building an elaborate cardboard arcade inside his dad’s used auto parts store. The entire summer went by, and Caine had yet to have a single customer. Then, on the last day of summer, a filmmaker named Nirvan stopped to buy a door handle for his car. Nirvan became…

Cooperative Games

(Rubber band and string game included) Cooperative games help children develop the essential skills of cooperation, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution by giving them an opportunity to work together toward a common goal. These games require the skills of everyone in the group, not of just one or two people.

Velcro Craft Sticks

Turn craft sticks into a fun construction toy using velcro dots.

Block Play: Practical Suggestions for Common Dilemmas – Full Article

Enhance block play by implementing developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to deal with the most common dilemmas associated with using blocks in the classroom. Includes a great summary page of suggestions.

Using Blocks to Develop 21st Century Skills

An in-depth article about using the long-standing, developmentally appropriate activity of block play to teach 21st Century Skills. Includes a checklist to evaluate your block play area around 21st Century Skills.

Quiet Blocks

Use pool noodles to create your own set of quiet blocks. #STEMontheCheap

Block Puzzles

Make your own color block puzzles using Duplos and foam sheets. Do you think they have to be color specific?

Four Engineering Challenges for Kids

NOTE: Engineering challenges and construction play is NOT just for boys! Four engineering challenges using cups, craft sticks, and cubes.

Sponge Blocks Quiet Time Activity

Learn how to make your own sponge blocks for a quieter solution to block construction play time.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Why is Block Play Important for Toddlers and Preschoolers? What are they learning? The progression of block play and concepts learned.