Building with Children - check out these resources

• Building Structures with Young Children: by Ingrid Chalufour, Publisher: Redleaf Press; 1st edition (October 15, 2004), ISBN: 1929610505

From playground equipment to skyscrapers, structures are everywhere. The second unit in the Young Scientist series, Building Structures with Young Children guides children's explorations to help deepen their understanding of the physical science present in building block structures - including concepts such as gravity, stability, and balance. Looking at science in a new way, this nationally field-tested curriculum supports the early development of important science inquiry skills such as questioning, investigating, discussing, and formulating ideas and theories.

• Block Play: by Sharon MacDonald, Publisher: Gryphon House; 1st edition (May 1, 2001) ISBN: 0876592531

With over 50 great activities, Block Play is a must-have for every teacher. Clear descriptions of what children learn by playing with blocks accompany the activities. Each activity encourages developmental skills such as problem-solving, math, science, language and social skills.

• A Constructivist Approach to Block Play in Early Childhood: by Karyn Wellhousen and Judith Kieff, Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning; 1st edition (December 5, 2000), ISBN: 0766815374

The value of block building in early childhood programs is reinforced in this new and comprehensive book. Current issues of interest to educators and parents receive special attention: how gender influences block play, establishing home-school connections, choosing and implementing relevant assessments, strategies for incorporating IEP/IFSP goals for children with special needs and abilities, and findings regarding brain development and play. Theory into Practice activities help the user take those important first steps to implementing the strategies discussed.