in_the_media

Youngsters who play with blocks improve science skills

Media Outlet: 

CNN, 6ABC

Researchers at Temple's Infant Lab found that when youngsters played with construction blocks with parents, they use words such as "under" and "on"—concepts which doctors say are important for understanding math, engineering and science. According to Nora Newcombe, professor of psychology at Temple and lab co-director, "Parents use spatial language more when they interact with blocks." "Everybody says, 'oh, they're just playing' as if they couldn't be working and playing at the same time, said Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, professor of psychology at Temple and lab co-director. "Nothing could be further from the truth."