5 Things Toy Blocks Can Do For Your Child

Toy building blocks come in all shapes and sizes. Cubes, triangles, circles and other shapes are created out of wood, plastic and cloth. These simple and usually inexpensive toy blocks can be found in all of the primary colors, some come with numbers on them, and still others have interlocking tabs. 

My children are beginning to use blocks a lot more now, especially since the youngest two have grown into a toddler and little boy.  Blocks are fabulous for providing them with exercises in co-operative building and creation - both literally and figuratively.

These flexible and versatile toys can deliver years of enjoyment and fun, but they are also very important for your child's development in so many areas. Let's take a closer look at the benefits your kids receive when they play with toy building blocks.

Creativity and originality are encouraged

Some toy block kits come with instructions so that your child may build a particular device or character. But when children begin to dream up and then build their own personal creations, their unique originality benefits. 

Toy building blocks of all shapes, sizes and materials encourage your child to think and act creatively.

Important social skills are developed

Whether used at preschool, on the playground or at home, toy building blocks can be important social tools. Through sharing and working with others, your child learns many valuable lessons. 

When teaming up with other children and building together, your child is effectively developing social skills which will be used his entire life.

Shape, number, and color recognition is reinforced

At a very young age, simple one color toy blocks can teach your child to recognize geometric shapes, primary colors and numbers. The earlier that these developmental skills are taught the better. 

Learning to sort because of common characteristics helps your child's overall mental and problem solving development. And when you teach your child the names of colors, numbers and shapes as they relate to individual toy blocks, powerful communication skills are developed.

Your child learns math and science at a very young age

Toy blocks, whether or not they have numbers on them, can be used to teach simple math. Addition and subtraction are easily taught using any type of toy block, and your child's understanding of scientific theories grows as well. 

Through repetitious experimentation and observation, your child learns the effects of gravity on objects. Structure and balance are also learned, as is the positive or negative relationship which occurs when your little one tries to stack different sized and shaped objects.

Self-esteem and pride get boosted

Many doctors believe that children with established levels of high self-esteem tend to be more successful and have less stress and medical conditions as adults. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves. 

And this happens for your child when she successfully builds whatever creation came to mind. From thought to physical product, your child gets a great feeling about herself when she successfully creates with her toy blocks just what she intended.