Relationships between block play and the social development of young children

Fostering social development through block play

“…Although group play predominates with both types of blocks, solitary and parallel play are more likely to occur with unit blocks than with large hollow blocks (Rogers, 1985). However, children appear to have more opportunity to practice their social interaction skills with large hollow blocks because group play seems to occur more frequently with them.…”

“…Although Varma (1980) initially reported that boys played more frequently with blocks than did girls, she later found that girls spent more time with blocks after they were given equal access to block play by doubling the number of blocks and opening a new block area. Rogers (1985) found where equal access to blocks was assured through mixed-sex grouping of children, no sex differences were found for the amount of time children spent playing in the two block areas. Therefore, it is suggested that because of the probability of boys dominating the blocks, implementation of measures to ensure girls' equal access to the block areas may be necessary.…”

“…Although Bender (1978), Kinsman and Berk (1979), and Rogers (1985) observed a comparatively small number of young children, it would appear that the results of these studies represent the potential for positive interaction occurring during block play. As Yarrow and Waxler (1976) indicated, preschool children are at least as prosocial as they are aggressive during their "free-choice time" and their prosocial behavior varies depending on the setting.…”

“…However, the research suggests that block play has the potential to foster positive social exchanges between young children. Whereas many teachers refuse to let their children play with blocks because they believe there is too much antisocial behavior during block play, Rogers (1985) found that kindergarten children playing with both large hollow and unit blocks exhibited much higher incidences of positive social behavior than negative social behavior. These children in this study seldom threatened, hit, or threw blocks at another child.…”

Le matériel bloc au coeur de l activité cognitive et sociale de l enfant à la maternelle

“…Dans ce contexte, l'étude de Rogers (1985), "Relationships Between Block Play and the Social Development of Young Children", fait ressortir une problématique concernant les comportements sociaux et les niveaux de participation sociale des enfants d'âge préscolaire dans leur activité avec ce matériel. Cet auteur s'est également intéressé à la différence due au sexe qui apparaît dans l'utilisation de ce matériel.…”