Daily Lessons – Problem Solving with Blocks
Blocks are a great manipulative for young children. They can be used to teach many things, but one of their best uses is to encourage children to problem solve.
SORTING BLOCKS
Have your children sort their blocks by color, shape or size.
PATTERNING
Using the sorted piles from the activity above, make a pattern with the blocks.
Example: you had your child sort the blocks by shape.
Make a line of blocks, such as; two square blocks, one rectangle block, two square blocks, etc.
Have your child try to match your line with an identical one below it.
PROPORTION
1. Find a large rectangular block and have your child find two blocks that equal the same size as the one larger block.
2. Look for other blocks that are double or other multiples of smaller blocks.
3. Set out a balance scale and have children put a large block on one side and then experiment finding a group of smaller blocks that will equal the size of the larger block.
