One of the things I like best about the heavy wooden hollow blocks is that they’re sturdy enough for children to sit and stand on, as they’re doing here. I hear so many teachers worry that the blocks will fall over and someone will get hurt, but when they’re stacked carefully, I’ve never seen that happen. Meanwhile yesterday, I watched 2 children trip over their own feet and skin their knees. And I’ve seen many children injure themselves on lightweight materials that may look safer, but aren’t actually strong enough to support children’s weight (including trying to stand on cardboard blocks and tumbling when the cardboard collapses under them).
Part of the purpose of play is giving children the opportunity to explore risk, but also learn how to minimize it. These young three year olds have already developed the skills of how to build a structure that can physically support their bodies.
Children exploring wooden blocks
