While block play is essential for both boys' and girls' social, cognitive, language, and motor development, girls do not engage in block play as frequently as boys. This situation can be attributed to the socialization process--children learn societal expectations for behavior and materials for both boys and girls--lack of experience for girls with blocks, and attitudes of peers that cause girls to feel unwelcome in the block center. There are important differences in the way boys and girls play with blocks; girls use blocks to create an extension of their place in the world whereas boys are often more intent on the creation of structures and the innovative use of materials. Teachers need to be supportive and encouraging of girls to increase participation in the block center and to use diverse strategies to insure that girls gain the important skills that are associated with block play.