| When your children are tiny, some of the first toys | | | | to these types of blocks is the ability to feel new |
| they learn to play with are building blocks. They come | | | | textures and see new colors. Children should start to |
| in all shapes and sizes and in as many colors as you | | | | associate a red letter "A" block with their red ball. |
| can think of! When picking out blocks for toys, there | | | | This is all an essential part of learning, and they'll have |
| are lots of things to consider. One of the most | | | | fun with it too. |
| important details to think about is the actual material | | | | The possibilities are really endless when it comes to |
| they are made of. Your child's age may be a main | | | | giving your child blocks to play with. Some of my |
| factor that determines what type of building blocks | | | | son's favorite ones are his farm animal blocks. He |
| they play with. | | | | loves to pretend with them making each animal |
| The younger they are the more necessary it | | | | sound as he goes. This lets him explore the world |
| becomes to check out blocks that are softer and | | | | and helps him make the connection between his |
| lighter. Giant cardboard building blocks, for example, | | | | wooden pigs and cows with the real thing he sees on |
| are extremely light-weight, easy to handle, and are | | | | the farm. As he gets even older and his coordination |
| so sturdy that even your infant whose just sitting up | | | | has improved, has blocks that connect to one |
| can fall over on them without breaking them or | | | | another with a series of grooves and notches |
| injuring herself. These building blocks will help your | | | | providing sturdy links so he can build tractors, cars, |
| little one develop his motor skills while stacking them, | | | | buildings, really anything he wants in 3-D. |
| and greatly expand his imagination at the same time. | | | | It's important to know that playing with building |
| As the child gets older, you can choose some of the | | | | blocks is both educational for your child and a vital |
| well-crafted wooden blocks that often have the | | | | step in developing the necessary skills as she grows. |
| alphabet and numbers printed or carved on them. | | | | Whether you have a baby just rolling over or a |
| While still developing her motor skills, she'll also be | | | | rambunctious grade-schooler, building blocks are |
| exploring her world with letters and numbers. This | | | | certainly a favorite toy for him, and a great tool for |
| could be her first step towards spelling and reading. It | | | | you to have. |
| will also help her learn to count. Another great benefit | | | | |