A Constructivist Approach to Block Play in Early Childhood » (1st Edition)

The value of block building in early childhood programs is reinforced in this new and comprehensive book. Current issues of interest to educators and parents receive special attention: how gender influences block play, establishing home-school connections, choosing and implementing relevant assessments, strategies for incorporating IEP/IFSP goals for children with special needs and abilities, and findings regarding brain development and play. Theory into Practice activities help the user take those important first steps to implementing the strategies discussed.

Booknews

U. of New Orleans professors overview the history of LEGOs and other such still relevant play materials, their role in helping young children construct their own models and concepts at various developmental stages, and teachers' role in fostering block play. Includes photos of children engaged in serious play, a toy preference inventory, list of vendors, and glossary of terms. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Preface. Section I:
Chapter 1: The History and Evolution of Blocks for Learning and Play.
Chapter 2: Brain Development and Learning.
Chapter 3: Stages of Block Play.
Chapter 4: Teacher's Role in Promoting and Assessing Block Play. Section II:
Chapter 5: Block Play in Infancy and the Toddler Years.
Chapter 6: Block Play for Preschool and Kindergarten Children.
Chapter 7: Block Play in the Primary Grades.
Chapter 8: Including Everyone in Block Play.
Appendix A: Toy Preference Inventory. Glossary. Index.