As part of a periodic video series profiling Temple faculty, Nora Newcombe, professor of psychology discusses her experience working in Temple’s Infant Lab. Newcombe’s area of expertise in psychology and cognitive development is spatial thinking in people, especially in children.

In a recent study published in Mind, Brain and Education, researchers at Temple's Infant Lab found there are benefits to playing with that old toy classic — blocks. The researchers found that when playing with blocks under interactive conditions, children hear the kind of language that helps them think about space, such as "over," "around" and "through."

“Old-fashioned inexpensive retro toys, such as red rubber balls, simple building blocks, clay and crayons, that don’t cost so much and are usually hidden in the back shelves are generally healthier for children than the electronic educational toys that have fancier boxes and cost $89.99,” says Temple University developmental psychologist Kathy Hirsh-Pasek.