Blocks are the ultimate open-ended toy. Many things can become blocks: sponges, cereal boxes, couch cushions, and blocks can become just about anything — stables, toy-car garages, sprawling cities. But just in case building (and knocking down!) skyscrapers loses its charm, here are a few ideas to help you think outside the block.
Measure Up
Ages 2 and upA basic block can moonlight as an easy-to-understand unit of measure and discovery. Start by helping your child pick out a block shape that he has a lot of, such as a rectangle or square. Then use them to figure out how many blocks long his toys, pets, and family members are (the fact that you get to lie down to be measured is a bonus). An older tot might like to chart the results. Maybe you'll even find it again one day, when your kids are as many blocks long as you are.
Marvelous Mazes
Ages 2 and upWant to a-maze your little one? Help him line up parallel rows of blocks to form a curvy maze, a terrific route for zooming cars, meandering figurines, or rolling Ping-Pong balls (for an extra challenge, try moving them by blowing through a straw). Add adventure with a cardboard-tube tunnel or create ramps for multilevel fun.
Do What I Do
Ages 3 and upBoost communication skills with this block-based mirroring game. To start, gather two sets of the same assortment of blocks. Sit back to back with your child, then begin building a simple structure, describing each addition as you go ("Now I'm putting a square block on top of the pillar," for example). Have him follow your directions with his set of blocks, asking questions if he needs to. When you've used up all the blocks, turn around and compare the two structures. Did they come out the same? In the next round, let him guide you.
