
Block Parties
Learning Brick by Brick: Cultivating STEM Skills Through Block Play
Block play is a fun and meaningful way for young children to learn. As children build, stack, balance, and create with blocks, they develop important skills in problem-solving, creativity, communication, and early science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Block play also helps children build spatial awareness, practice persistence, and learn how to work with others.
Extension Winnebago County’s Block Party program brings a variety of blocks and building materials directly to your site, giving young children opportunities to explore, imagine, and learn through hands-on play. During each event, Extension staff set up 5–10 block stations that encourage open-ended exploration and discovery.
Whether you are a school, child care program, library, family resource center, or community organization, the Block Party program offers a hands-on learning experience that supports young children’s growth, curiosity, and confidence through play.

What we provide
A variety of block and building materials
Setup and support for 5–10 block stations
Training and resources for staff and volunteers leading the activity

What you provide
Staff or volunteers who can encourage and support children’s play
Space for as many or as few block stations as you choose, up to 10 stations
Approximately 1½–2 hours for the event
Interested in hosting a free (to you and participants) block play session? Extension Winnebago County has resources available. Contact Katie Jaegly at 920-232-1979 or katie.jaegly@wisc.edu to learn how to bring block play to your organization or classroom.
Block Party Resources
Block Party: The Importance of Play (Purdue Extension Video)
How to Model Play (Purdue Extension Video Playlist)
Are you a Block Party volunteer? Please watch the Block Party Training Video to prepare for your event.

Katherine (Katie) Jaegly, MPH, CHES®
Health & Well-Being Educator
Behavioral Health