Froebel Block and Pentomino Workshops

Froebel Block Workshops

In the 1830s, German educator Friedrich Froebel developed a system of play for kindergarten children using a series of educational toys he referred to as “gifts.” Several of these gifts consist of sets of geometrically shaped wood blocks which children used to build and design. Through guided play, children were introduced to pattern making, beauty, harmony, aesthetics, and structure, as well as basic geometric and mathematical concepts. Frank Lloyd Wright's mother gave him a set of these gifts which she had found at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, and he stated at the age of 88, “…the maplewood blocks…are in my fingers to this day.”

Participation in a Froebel block workshop allows participants of all ages to explore Wright's fascination with unity and diversity in form and perception of spatial relationships. The blocks offer a unique insight into the formation of this important American architect.

The characters in The Wright 3, a popular novel by best-selling author Blue Balliett, used three-dimensional pentominos as their inspiration in solving the mystery.  Using these classic geometric puzzle pieces, students build, design, solve problems and learn to think critically.

Workshops can be scheduled year-round for a wide range of time slots and for groups of any size.

For reservations, call 708.848.1976 ext. 225 or email educate@gowright.org

Location:  Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Avenue, Chicago
Time:  12 – 4 pm
Admission:  Free

Part of the Hyde Park Art Center's Fun for All program made possible through funding from Chase and the Leo S. Guthman Foundation.

Froebel block and Pentomino Workshop at the River Forest Park District
Friday, February 27, 2009

Location: River Forest Park District, The Depot upper level classroom, 401 Thatcher Ave. River Forest, IL
Time:
Session I, Grades 3-5: 3:30pm-5:00pm
Session II, Grades 6-8:  5:15pm-6:45pm 
Admission:  River Forest resident $28, non-resident, $34
Call the River Forest Park District at 708-366-6660 or visit www.rfparks.com to register.  Registration is limited to 20 participants.  Presented by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.

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