Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/block-play-experiences-in-cooperative-learning-and-living/5010339/
In good early childhood settings, unit blocks help to build child-initiated, cooperative learning. And such learning helps to build the roots of democracy:Five four year olds in our nursery classroom are building in the unit block area. As teacher, I sit nearby watching, taking notes. My interest supports the children. Our little school is in a fishing village, and many of the fathers turn to the sea for their livelihood. Travis and Noah have outlined a harbor with blocks. Todd wants to connect his public works garage to Sam's store across the harbor by road. After considerable discussion with the other children, he builds an elevated causeway across the shallow end of the harbor. Emily insists that Todd build the road to the main door and the emergency entrance of her hospital. Todd is reluctant, but others say how important both entries are. Sam gets more blocks for Todd. Travis builds a wharf on the harbor near Noah's lobster boat and tells him, "You sell your lobsters to me. I'll take 'em in my truck to the store."
"And bring some to the hospital," chimes in Emily. "We want ...