NPR – Eric Westervelt
“For this series, we’ve been thinking a lot about the iconic tools that some of us remember using — if only for a short time — in our early schooling. Things like the slide rule and protractor, Presidential Fitness Test and Bunsen burner. Today we explore the simple, powerful tool that is still alive and well in some early learning classrooms: the wooden block. You might call it the anti-app. Measurement. Balance. Math. Negotiation. Collaboration. And fun. The smooth maple pieces need no recharging, no downloading. “Let’s just put these blocks up,” says 4-year-old Jacques. “I think this will probably work. Be careful, Corrine.” “I know,” says Corinne, who is also 4.”(more)