The students will:

• sort and classify by shape, size and function
• build structures that show balance
• work in a group setting
• build structures that show an understanding of the variance of length, weight and position
• problem solved
• communicate
• make decisions

Through observation and direct communication, assess whether the student:

• cooperates with others chooses and uses a variety of materials
• sorts
• classifies
• achieves balance
• sees relationships
• predicts change
• plans
• solves problems of balance, height, distance and shape
• communicates needs for materials, wants
• draws the finished product? writes stories?

Manipulative Stage
The child:

• handles and moves blocks
• piles and knocks down blocks
• explores properties, stacking, rolling

   

• builds recognizable structures and names them
• solves problems of balance, shape and distance
• plays alone or beside others

• plays with others
• builds more complicated structures
• works in a group to integrate structures
• makes a record of the structures-describes or tells about the structure
• uses blocks for defining a map study
• builds a maze
• follows blue prints
• develops concept of ratio

Teaching/Assessment Strategies

Materials/Resources

• encourage exploration of materials
• change, add, delete props to focus on theme, season, story
• facilitate learning through probing questions, making suggestions, changing materials
• present models, pictures for students to seeks-talk about, copy
• provide materials for students to record constructions
• students may work individually or in small groups with a specific challenge