

We had a great outreach presence in the community, and the blocks quickly became an important part of that. This is the most challenging, yet most effective way I used the blocks. Sometimes to enhance things a bit I would set aside a corner for baby toys – often toddler attendees had baby siblings who tagged along. I ran these Big Blue Building Parties on a regular monthly basis, and they became great social opportunities for the regular families. They they got all cozy inside and read picture books to each other.

One time a group of kids worked really hard on a cozy reading fort, complete with a ball drop pathway running along the top of the wall. From time to time I would suggest new building prompts – let’s make a submarine and go on a trip! Let’s build a castle, who wants to be the dragon? Let’s build a dance floor and a DJ booth! For the most part, I did not need to do much more than show excitement for kids’ creations. I would put out all the blocks, play fun music, and let kids PLAY for one hour! The bigger the room, the better. I used the blocks in three main ways: Big Blue Building Parties (in the library), Feature at Outreach Events, and for Activities at Large Events In the Library.Įasy, peasy. It was the perfect fit for Big Blue Blocks. My library received a grant called “Power Off and Play” that had to be used on a project to enhance physical literacy, and to encourage kids to replace screen time with healthy alternatives.

They provide the opportunity to develop crucial skills such as: pretending, construction, social, negotiation, lifting, spacial, etc. They come in three sizes, and I purchased the Large set. I’ve seen toddlers, school aged kids, and teenagers using them at the same time – equally as excited. They are the epitome of “ big body play.”īig Blue Blocks by Imagination Playground are light-weight large foam building blocks that appeal to a wide range of ages. Not only do they encourage imaginative play and physical literacy, but they are durable, lightweight, and surprisingly stylish. When I first heard of Big Blue Blocks, I knew that I wanted to bring them to my library. Just a librarian’s honest opinion on a wonderful product. "We should be having discussions about it in the context of our ageing.Note: this is not an advertisement or a sponsored post. Professor Kerse would like to see more older people included in the conversation about improving aged care.
