Building With Blocks

Blocks are a great activity for preschoolers. It allows for creativity and spacial maneuvers. Tonight, my kids played with Kapla blocks. They are simple flat rectangles, all the same size. My son found a picture in the book and began creating the Efile Tower- he did not quite make it but he gave a good effort. My daughter built a simple structure, but symmetrical. They were each able to do what they could developmentally without criticism or a "right" answer. Don't underestimate blocks and simple toys like we had when we were kids. Everything does not have to have a battery to be fun. Children can be most creative when given open ended items to create something of their own.

Let Them Try It! Increase a Preschoolers Intelligence

I drive my husband crazy! In an effort to not stifle the creativity of our children, I frequently let them make a mess. If you can clean it up, let them try it! I believe that part of developing intelligence is allowing your child to experiment without the worry or stress from a parent worrying about the mess. Children that worry about making a mess become perfectionist and fearful of risk taking. Before you say no, think about it... why are you saying no? If it is safety, by all means, say no! If it is because the thought of the parent worrying about things on the floor or drips on the table, rethink!

An example of this is my son's interest in a orange juice commercial with the straw in the orange. He was amazed that it looked like you could drink the o.j. right from the orange, without using a glass. He asked to try it, so I let him. I cut a small slit in an orange and stuck the straw in. It actually worked with a very juicy orange! He did not drink very much, but he squeeze the juice out through the straw, and all over the table, chairs, and floor- all washable! He did this two times. Then he was done! He knew it was possible and it worked, and he was satisfied. Not to mention, the squeezing was great for fine motor skills!

The lesson is, think before you nix an idea! If you are a perfectionist and a neat freak, try to not force that one your child. Getting dirty is most of the fun!