積木童年

Cruz還很小的時候, 我們曾看過不少書說玩積木對小孩的發展很有裨益(傳統的積木給小孩有建立基礎和倒下的概念, 3/4歲後才適合開始玩Lego), 當然我們都認同, 不過當時總覺得Cruz未必喜歡這個玩意, 難以想像跳紮紮的他可以靜靜坐下來給我們砌積木，不過我們都即管買一大桶積木在家。 好像在兩歲多前, Cruz對將一塊一塊積木建立起來完全沒有意識, 相反最喜歡的是將它們「摧毀」和推倒, 還令他很興奮似的, 心想會不會反而助長了他的破壞力。原來小孩真的有他個人成長的步伐, 三歲後的Cruz, 對砌積木愈來愈有興趣, 不時都會自己從窗台搬那桶大積木砌出不同的東西來。

總結砌積木有以下的好處:

- Color & Shape Recognition: alternating colors and different shapes during the building process aids in noticing distinctions in light and dark color patterns as well as design

- Hand-eye coordination & Fine Motor-skills: in stacking blocks and experiencing them tumbling over or leaning to far one way or the other, hand-eye coordination is developed in young children

- Creativity is developed in the combination of pieces and the unlimited ways they can be put together. This encourages a child to explore options and gain confidence in his ability to create something on his own.

- Strengthening kids' attention span

- Blocks, Lego and other building toys are important because they permit the child to develop ideas and concepts for themselves. This is the foundation for science which is the basis of our world.

若是Cruz從玩積木當中真的能夠得到以上的好處, 那就太好了!

而對我們現今一代的家長最大的提醒是:

Today's electronic gifts and gadgets have their place, but in choosing toys for young children don't forget the basics! Give them blocks, Legos and other types of building sets and watch their confidence grow along with their creations!