Copy Blocks
One of our favorite ways to play with blocks is an activity called Copy Blocks. Not only are blocks a toy our children will use for years, they’re also helping our children develop geometric thinking.
”A great deal of research has demonstrated that block play supports geometric thinking and reasoning [...] Sets of wooden blocks, Lego, and Duplo blocks, and even unifix snapping cubes can all provide opportunities for children to explore composing and decomposing shapes and to develop the ability to visualize and describe geometric figures.” (Exploring Mathematics Through Play in the Early Childhood Classroom)
Scroll through the pictures to see how we play Copy Blocks and some variations for both younger and older children.
The Math
Copy Blocks gives children opportunities to:
Analyze the similarities and difference between two geometric designs (1: the original, 2: their creation)
Play with images in their brain
Practice using geometric vocabulary to describe their shape
Source Resource: Exploring Mathematics Through Play in the Early Childhood Classroom
