Early Math  /  Spatial Thinking  /  Hands-On  /  Activity

Block Party

 

Spatial Thinking
Hands-On

Children pick cards and build block towers that match the cards.

A boy and a girl position two different block towers in relation to each other based on a paper card on a table.

As they position their block towers, children practice using spatial language.

 

Materials

Square and triangular blocks, scissors, and “Block Party” activity cards laid out on a table.
 
Materials PDF
  • Block Party Cards (PDF)
  • Building blocks
  • Scissors

Preparation

  1. Print and cut out the Block Party Cards.
 

Directions

  1. Stack the cards face down in a pile and have one child choose a card. Read what it says.
  2. One child builds a tower (this will be represented by the gray tower on the card).
  3. The other child then builds a tower that matches the position of the white tower in relation to the gray tower, as seen on the card.
  4. Ask both children to compare the towers on the card with the towers they built. Do the positions of their towers match the card?
    • Ask them to describe the position of the towers using spatial language (e.g., Genesis built a tower behind Becca’s tower.)
  5. Children then knock down the towers and start again with a new card. Have them take turns picking a card and building the first tower.
Length of Play

10–15 min.

Group Size

Small Group (2 children)

In the Schedule

Learning Centers

 
Vocabulary
  • right
  • left
  • between
  • on top
  • beside
  • in front of
  • behind
  • near
  • far
 
Learning Goals
  • Use spatial language to describe the location of an object, person, or place
  • Follow directions using spatial language to find or position an object, person, or place in relation to something else