I bought a few packages of inexpensive sponges with the idea to make building blocks for the kids. With just 12 sponges, I made a huge pile of blocks that they spent the whole day learning, creating, and playing with. Just cut the sponges into various shapes! I cut most of the sponges into thirds to make the rectangle blocks. I cut a few of them in fourths to make squares. I also cut out a few triangles.

As soon as she sat down with the blocks, she was so excited to announce that she had made the letter T. Then we used the rectangle-shaped blocks to make the letters A, E, F, H, I, K, L, M, N, V, W, X, Y and Z.

She created a "Wreck it Ralph" town with the blocks. I also challenged her to see how high a tower she could make with them.

Toddlers can sort and stack the blocks by color and preschoolers can use them to make patterns (pictured).

Before I knew it, the blocks were in the play kitchen and had became ingredients for recipes and, of course, pretend french fries. 

Other ideas: 

• Use the blocks to transfer water from one bowl to another (great for fine motor skills). 
• Dip in water and squeeze into the empty bowl. Which shape carries the most water to your bowl?
• Have an outdoor sponge toss. On a hot day, dip the sponge blocks into water and toss them to each other or toss them to matching colored buckets.
• Use glue and craft foam to change a couple of your blocks into sponge people or creatures for your sponge town.