Different Props for Different Stages of Block Development

http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-play-blocks-and-props.html

As with all areas of development, children go through stages using blocks.  Understanding the stages will help you to provide the perfect props to appeal to the children in your world. 

Carrying Blocks

Watch a toddler in the block area and you will see them carrying blocks around, piling them, collecting them and putting them in and out of containers.  To facilitate this play, try adding:

Block Area Ideas

This is from Gayle's Preschool Rainbow website.  It offers some ideas for inexpensive block props.



Cheap Block Play
Materials: Empty boxes - from small shoe boxes to big boxes, such as the ones diapers come in and retail outlet boxes. 
Description: Put boxes in the block area where there is room for building and exploring.
Comments: Children love playing with the different shapes and sizes.


Block Time Prop
Materials: Small green containers that strawberries come in.
Description: Teachers put these containers in the block area or play area. The children can make garages for cars or cages for animals. We have made a two room house with them.  Preschool children never get enough of these containers. 
Comments: Have all of the children save the containers from home.