The Fourth of 14 Exhibits in 14 Weeks
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The fixed dimensional relationship between the "unit" and the other block shapes creates an environment in which children develop motor skills and "absorb" math concepts such as length, volume and fractions while totally engaged in the creative freedom of block play. |
Unit blocks appear to be simple, rather plain wooden block shapes but they are actually quite sophisticated toys. The Standard Unit Block principle was developed by educator Caroline Pratt in the early 1900's. The dimensions of each block shape in a set of unit blocks is a multiple or a fraction of the size of the piece defined as the "unit." The "unit" is a rectangular piece of maple measuring 5 1/2 inches in length and 2 3/4 inches in width by 1 3/8 inches in height or thickness. The name of each basic rectangular block shape in a set is based on its size as compared to the length of the "unit," e.g., the Unit Block is 5 1/2 inches long while the Half Unit Block is 2 3/4 inches long, the Double Unit Block is 11 inches long and the Quad Unit Block is 22 inches long. The dimensions of all the other block shapes, including the columns, the pillars, the triangles, the curves, etc., are proportional to the length, width and height dimensions of the "unit." This is the source of the term, "Standard Unit Blocks."
Ramona Paul's Block Party exhibit both honors one of Oklahoma's outstanding educators and offers children a chance to build all kinds of structures – ramps, houses, skyscrapers and other creations.
This exhibit is named in honor of Stillwater native Dr. Ramona Paul, who is credited with developing the nation’s leading early childhood education program in Oklahoma. Dr. Paul’s pioneering efforts to provide state-funded, teacher-certified pre-K education opportunities to Oklahoma four-year-olds have ranked our state as number one in early childhood programs since 2005. To commemorate her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of children, the Oklahoma WONDERtorium is dedicating its “Unit Block” interactive exhibit to Dr. Paul.
Ramona Paul grew up in Stillwater and her parents were on the faculty of Oklahoma State University, then known as Oklahoma A&M. She spent her own early childhood in the university’s Child Development Laboratory – an innovative atmosphere that fostered inquisitiveness and interacting with other people. Through that experience she gained a deep appreciation for interactive, guided play.
Dr. Paul is an outspoken proponent of unit blocks – standardized wooden toy blocks. Due to their specific proportions, unit blocks help children learn how to balance weight equally and to stack different sizes to create all types of structures. It looks like “just” play, but through block play children develop social, physical and mathematical knowledge and learn all about self in space, how to problem solve, and much, much more.
The learning objectives of 'block party' – established by Debbie Williams, Programs Coordinator, and the museum's exhibits committee – include:
- Creating an environment for children to problem solve
- Inviting mathematical thinking of patterns, geometric shapes, part-whole relationships, fractions, adding, dividing and subtracting.
- Providing an opportunity to learn about physical laws such as balance and gravity.
- Helping children develop a sense of focus and purpose
At a ceremony honoring Dr. Paul and announcing the dedication of this exhibit in her honor, Ruth Cavins, executive director of the Oklahoma WONDERtorium commented:
“Dr. Ramona Paul is so important to Stillwater, the state of Oklahoma and to children everywhere that the board of directors and staff of the Oklahoma WONDERtorium specifically planned a unit block exhibit area in the building we will open this summer. We believe this is a fitting tribute for Dr. Paul’s lifelong commitment to early childhood education and it will be the first of the fourteen exhibits named to honor an influential Oklahoman. Our facility is expected to open by, or before mid-summer, located at 308 West Franklin Street, Stillwater.”
Click the button below to link to an extended length video
on the importance of unit block play for children.
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