Block Fest is a free unique event that provides families with young children, ages 8 months to 8 years, with fun, interactive math and science learning activities. Children participate in a series of activities that involve blocks of all shapes and sizes. Block play helps children develop early math, science and literacy skills and teaches their parents how to nurture math and science thinking.
International research shows that children who start kindergarten unable to read, write or perform basic math functions find it difficult to learn in later years. However, most American preschoolers rarely participate in math activities either for fun or for learning. America’s future growth depends on science and technology innovation, creating the need for future workers with math and science skills. Block Fest was created in response to the demand for increased math and science skills in the future workforce.
Parents as Teachers helps communities partner with parents to prepare children for a stronger start in life and for greater success in school. Through one-on-one home visits, Parents as Teachers parent educators provide parents with practical, hands-on applications for real-world situations. The St. Louis-based national Parents as Teachers office trains professionals and develops professional curricula that support a parent’s role in promoting school readiness and healthy development of children.