Effect of block play on language acquisition and attention in toddlers: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypotheses that block play improves language acquisition and attention.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Pediatric clinic.


METHODS
Children aged 1(1/2) to 2(1/2) years.


METHODS
Distribution of 2 sets of building blocks.


METHODS
Scores on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, television viewing based on diary data, and the hyperactivity domain of the Child Behavior Checklist.


RESULTS
Of 220 families approached in the clinic waiting room, 175 (80%) agreed to participate in the study. At least 1 diary was returned from 92 of the 175 families (53%). A total of 140 families (80%) completed exit interviews. Of the children in the intervention group, 52 (59%) had block play reported in their diaries compared with 11 (13%) in the control group (P<.01). The linear regression results for language acquisition were as follows: entire sample--raw score, 7.52 (P=.07); percentile, 8.4 (P=.15); low-income sample--raw score, 12.40 (P=.01); percentile, 14.94 (P=.03). For attention the results were as follows: entire sample--odds ratio, 0.49 (P=.29); low-income sample--odds ratio, 0.48 (P=.26) There were no statistically significant differences with respect to hyperactivity scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Distribution of blocks can lead to improved language development in middle- and low-income children. Further research is warranted.
Christakis
Dimitri A
DA
Department of Pediatrics, and Child Health Institute, University of Washington, 6200 NE 74th St, Ste 210, Seattle, WA 98115-8160, USA. dachris@u.washington.edu
Zimmerman
Frederick J
FJ
Garrison
Michelle M
MM
D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002663:Child Language; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007804:Language Development; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011578:Psycholinguistics; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012931:Social Environment; D013690:Television; D014861:Washington