The Partnership hosted Block Fest NC in February.  Parents with young children, and the Chowan and Perquimans Pre-Kindergarten classes, were invited to experience the fun of math and science learning through block play. Block Fest NC is a hands-on block-building extravaganza that gives parents and children the opportunity to experience different types of blocks.  Five stations with different blocks were available for families during a one-hour block play session.  Staff demonstrated techniques that can help parents maximize their child's learning.  

Research shows that block play is important for many reasons including:

     Block play enhances early math thinking skills.

     Early math skills are a key predictor of school readiness.

     Blocks have been shown to increase children's math and science abilities later in life, which are critical skills in today's economy.

     Block-play also provides the opportunity to increase social skills and literacy of young children.