Nature Blocks

Playing with blocks are a fun way for infants, toddlers and preschoolers to develop and improve their motor skills. Blocks can even be used to introduce academics like math (counting, shapes, sizes, etc. ) and science (gravity, balance, etc.). For more information on the importance of block play, I recommend this article from Education.com.

Nature blocks are a great way to add interest to your block collection and pretend play. I have seen them available on Etsy, but when a large branch from and Maple tree fell into our yard during the last storm I put Jay to work creating some nature blocks for Caden.

First we had to cut the branch into small pieces, but of varying sizes.

Then we sanded down the edges and any rough spots so Caden wouldn’t get splinters playing with them.  At first we used sandpaper and elbow grease! Then we got smart and used an electric sander. Make sure to rinse any sawdust and dirt off before bringing them inside.

Caden wanted to play with his new nature blocks as soon as he saw them! He has had a lot of fun stacking them up into towers and knocking them down! And fills his little trucks with them!

I have even found a use for them in an autumn themed sensory bin.

We still have more large pieces of this branch and I can’t wait to get Jay to make some more nature blocks! Because I don’t think you can have too many!

Other bloggers have written about their experiences making nature blocks or tree blocks. You can read about it at Counting Coconuts and at Kids Activity Blog.

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