Current Course Schedule

Block Building and Dramatic Play as an Integral Part of the Early Childhood Curriculum

Unit blocks and the dramatic play that accompanies block building offer children multiple and diverse opportunities to develop and express their understanding of the social and physical world in which they live. In this course, you will learn how to integrate block-building experiences into the curriculum and organize block-building areas in the classroom. You will examine how block building supports the development of numeracy, literacy, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills, along with social and emotional growth. Field trips—and the opportunities for the first-hand research that they provide—are an essential component of a block program, and will also be included. This course will also support participants in settings with limited or no blocks in applying a broader understanding of the importance of play with open-ended materials and advocating for such experiences in their settings.

Term(s) offered: Summer
Format: on-campus
  • Course Number
    EDUC606N
  • Focus On
    Pre-k - 2nd Grade
  • Category
    Childhood / Elementary School, Credit-bearing Courses, Early Childhood, On Campus
  • Registration Options and Cost
    $425 12.0 CTLE or 1.2 CEU
    $1,868 1.0 Credits

Sections

Summer 2 2025

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    July 14, 15, and 16| On Site* *Held at City and Country School, 146 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
    Day and Time
    Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM ET
    Registration Deadline
    Jul 7, 2025
    Register
    • Elise Bauer
      Elise Bauer
      Elise Bauer, MSEd, is the Admissions Director and former Director of the Lower School at City and Country School, which was founded in 1914 by pioneer educator Caroline Pratt, who also invented unit blocks. She currently teaches Block Building and Dramatic Play at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Ms. Bauer has an MSEd from Bank Street College and a BA in American Civilization from George Washington University.
  • Section 2:
    Date(s)
    July 28, 29, and 30 | On Site*
    Day and Time
    Monday through Wednesday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM ET *Held at City and Country School, 146 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
    Registration Deadline
    Jul 21, 2025
    Register
    • Elise Bauer
      Elise Bauer
      Elise Bauer, MSEd, is the Admissions Director and former Director of the Lower School at City and Country School, which was founded in 1914 by pioneer educator Caroline Pratt, who also invented unit blocks. She currently teaches Block Building and Dramatic Play at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Ms. Bauer has an MSEd from Bank Street College and a BA in American Civilization from George Washington University.
"This course goes beyond just block building - it helps teachers to think outside of the box and to encourage a sense of flexibility in the classroom."

I came away with ideas for "how to incorporate blocks into different subjects like math, science, social studies etc."

"I am so thankful that I attended this block building workshop. I learned so many things in those 3 days about how vital blocks are in the development of young children."

I took away "Creative ways for extending closure/pickup activities. Different common, curricular language for use with students and colleagues. Excellent literature/resource list to draw from and cite."

"The brainstorming, collaboration, language and problem solving is just the beginning and who knew cleaning up could be so educational and fun!"