FM.H.75 BUILDS A TRAIN IMITATION
The problem here is to reproduce an arrangement of blocks that is demonstrated by the teacher. This can be seen as an advanced imitation skill.
The ability to line up blocks in a neat row is also an important Fine Motor skill, requiring controlled, deliberate placement.
In addition, this activity is something quite new and good fun!
How to Assess
Materials: 6 small cubes, about 3 cm across.
Method: Say: ‘We’re going to build a train, I put block beside block, and block beside block.’ Place 3 blocks in a straight line, touching. Push the train across the floor or table with one finger, saying ‘Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch’. Give the remaining 3 blocks to your child, saying ‘You make a train’. Give 3 tries, demonstrating yourself each time.
Score plus if your child makes a train in 2 out of the 3 tries without any help.
How to Teach
Work through the following steps to find the right place to start teaching.
- Adds a third block to complete a train. Make your own train, then say ‘Now, let’s make your train’. Put the second block beside the first and then give the third block to your child. Say ‘Put the block beside block’. If your child goes to puthis block on top of the blocks, point to the correct place and repeat ‘Block beside block’. Encourage your child to push his train, saying ‘Ch-ch-chch’. Remember to give a demonstration every time you start a train.
- Adds 2 blocks to the first block to make a train, with verbal help and physical help. After making your own train, place your child’s first block in position and say ‘You make a train’. You can give extra verbal help by saying ‘Put block beside block’. Give physical help by pointing to the place where the next block should go.
- Makes a train with verbal help only. Phase out your physical help. If your child makes errors, draw his attention to your own train, pointing out that the blocks go beside the blocks.
- Builds a train in imitation, as in the main objective. Phase out your verbal help. Encourage your child to watch you closely as you build your tall.
Playtime and Round-the-house Activities
Encourage your child to build trains with his larger building blocks as he plays on the floor. It may add interest to the activity if you focus on ‘real’ trains while you teach this skill.
Remembering and Extending
Once your child has mastered this skill, he might enjoy making longer trains. You can help him to remember the skill by involving it when you play together with blocks. You can also try lining up other objects (cars, dolls, etc. – or pegs on a pegboard) and encouraging your child to copy you. Remember that this is an imitation skill as well as a Fine Motor skill, and you can extend your child’s imitation skills with all sorts of activities. You will find another imitation activity using blocks at FM.H.103 (builds a bridge in imitation).