Parents as Teachers to Host BlockFest

The Parents as Teachers program is sponsoring a special event on Nov. 6 called . The free event is designed to provide families with young children between the ages of 8 months and 8 years with interactive math and science learning activities.

Pat Simpson, who works with Parents as Teachers, said there will be five stations at BlockFest, each featuring different types of blocks.

“Trained facilitators help parents guide their children’s learning,” Simpson said. “As a toddler knocks down a tower of blocks, (parents) may ask, ‘Will the blocks always fall down? Why? How hard do you need to push?’”

Block play can help kids develop early math, science and literacy skills, and can even help teach parents how to nurture “math and science thinking,” Simpson said.

For example, she said, when several 3-year-olds build a ramp with long blocks, then roll cars down the ramp, they’re learning about mass, velocity, inclines and wheels.  

“Block play goes beyond building motor skills. It helps children understand concepts like problem-solving, counting, weights and measures, fractions and patterns,” said William Scott, program coordinator. “At BlockFest, parents learn how to use blocks to build a foundation for strong math and science skills, so their children enjoy learning.”

Simpson said that the Parents as Teachers organization is acutely aware that many families aren’t able to receive Parents as Teachers services since last year's budget cuts, and this program is the group’s way of providng a community benefit for all families in the area with kids between 8 months and 8 years old.

“Since it takes place in conjunction with our national conference, parent educators from across the country can experience BlockFest, too,” Simpson said. “We hope that when they return, they will consider bringing the exhibit home to their own communities.”

She said the Parents as Teachers national conference will take place from Nov. 6 through 8 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.

“In this age of amazing technology, it’s simple blocks that build the thinking skills our children will need,” Scott said. “That’s why we’re excited to bring BlockFest to St. Louis families.”

Parents as Teachers hosted a BlockFest event in 2009 at its Family Playdate, Simpson said. BlockFest is a licensed product of Twiga Foundation, Inc.

“It takes about 45 minutes to complete the five-station circuit,” Simpson added. “Families should be sure to visit the exhibit hall full of family fun and resources, too.”

Blockfest will take place Nov. 6 at the Hilton Ballpark Hotel in St. Louis from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking is available, and additional paid parking is located in the Hilton garage.