Let's build: strong foundations in language, math, and social skills

Blocks are a key teaching tool in any early childhood program.

Through well-planned, teacher-supported block play experiences, young children can build math, language, and social skills.

Let's Build provides educators of young children with guidance in how to create early childhood environments that support children's natural need to play.

It includes strategies for creating and scaffolding the block play experience, recommends children's books that support the learning, and outlines ways to match behaviors, content, and concepts to learning standards.

More than just a collection of activities, lesson plans are based on ten broad themes including: Large Buildings Around the World, Wild Animals, Ways to Travel, and Our Families and Ourselves.

Pamela C. Phelps is the creator of the Creative Pre-School Model Program and the author of Beyond Cribs and Rattles and Beyond Centers and Circle Time curricula.

She has published articles in professional early childhood and special education journals, directed research in early childhood settings, and regularly conducts workshops for educators and parents on play and play environments, behavior management, and numerous other topics related to young children.