Lakeshore Learning Blocks: A Comprehensive Review and Buying Guide
Unit blocks are a classic and versatile toy that can provide children with countless hours of creative and educational play. They encourage imagination, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills. Among the various brands offering unit blocks, Lakeshore Learning stands out as a trusted and teacher-driven company. This article provides a comprehensive review of Lakeshore Learning blocks, exploring their features, benefits, and different options available, to help you choose the best set for your child's needs and your budget.
Introduction to Unit Blocks
Unit blocks are scaled to each other, so, for example, two squares will equal a rectangle, two triangles will equal a square or rectangle. (A little built-in math that they gain as they learn about symmetry and the need for adding one more and one less.) Ideally, a set should have enough blocks and shapes that kids can create a variety of structures. Unit blocks are more than just toys; they are tools for learning. They help children develop a foundational understanding of fractions and multiples. A good block set should include:
- A lot of single unit blocks
- A good number of double units and quadruple units
- A smaller number of little blocks
- Mathematical design & dimensional consistency
Lakeshore Learning: A Teacher-Driven Company
Lakeshore Learning is a company trusted for over 70 years and is known for its innovative furniture and hands-on materials designed to meet the real-world needs of educators, students, and families. With over 700 teachers on staff, Lakeshore's product developers bring extensive classroom experience to every item they create, ensuring that their blocks are both educational and engaging.
Hardwood Blocks - Starter Set
The Hardwood Blocks - Starter Set from Lakeshore Learning is a classic set of wooden blocks designed for children in preschool through 2nd grade. The blocks are precisely related in size and sanded smooth for safe play. They are completely freestanding, easy to grip, and perfect for stacking, building, and creating. The set includes 50 blocks in 9 shapes, with the largest blocks measuring 8 1/4" in length.
Key Features
- High-Quality Materials: The blocks are made of high-quality wood with a smooth finish, ensuring durability and safety for young children.
- Perfect Size for Little Hands: Customers appreciate the blocks' perfect size for little hands, making them easy to grip and manipulate.
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: The set includes various shapes and sizes, allowing for endless building possibilities and developmental learning.
- Open-Ended Play: The blocks encourage imagination and creativity, allowing children to build anything they can imagine without the constraints of screens or electronic toys.
Customer Reviews
Customers rave about the Hardwood Blocks - Starter Set, praising its high quality, durability, and ability to encourage imagination. Many reviewers note that the blocks are a favorite among children ages 2-5 years and that they provide endless hours of creative play. Parents appreciate the blocks' ability to promote developmental learning without the use of screens.
Read also: Dollhouse Review: Lakeshore Learning
Soft Unit Blocks - Starter Set
The Soft Unit Blocks - Starter Set offers all the advantages of traditional hardwood blocks but in safe, soft foam. These blocks are made of rugged, dense foam with precise edges for easy stacking. They are lightweight, quiet, and soft, ensuring years of safe building sessions. Each soft block is precisely related in size to the basic unit block (5 1/2"l x 2 3/4"w x 1 3/8"h), so even the youngest children can build and design with ease. The set includes 108 blocks in 14 shapes.
Key Features
- Safe and Soft: The foam construction makes these blocks safe for even the youngest children, reducing the risk of injury during play.
- Lightweight and Quiet: The blocks are lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for use in classrooms or homes where noise is a concern.
- Precise Edges for Easy Stacking: The blocks have precise edges that make them easy to stack and build with, allowing children to create stable structures.
- Compatible with Unit Block System: The blocks are precisely related in size to the basic unit block, making them compatible with other unit block sets and accessories.
Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate the Soft Unit Blocks - Starter Set for its safety, durability, and educational value. Teachers note that the blocks are a great way to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills in young children. Parents appreciate the blocks' soft construction, which reduces the risk of injury during play.
Castle Blocks
The Castle Blocks from Lakeshore Learning are high-quality wooden blocks that are printed on every side with realistic details. The set includes cubes, cylinders, pyramids, and cones, as well as doors that can be laid down and flipped over to make a bridge.
Key Features
- Realistic Details: The blocks are printed with realistic details that enhance imaginative play and encourage children to create elaborate castle structures.
- Variety of Shapes: The set includes a variety of shapes, allowing children to build different types of castle structures and experiment with different designs.
- Durable Construction: The blocks are made of high-quality wood, ensuring durability and long-lasting play value.
Customer Experiences
Children are immediately enthralled with the blocks. They are excited about the possibilities and focused on how many different ideas there were presented on the back of the box.
Building & Roof Boards
Building and roof boards are excellent additions to any unit block collection. They provide a stable base for structures and allow children to create more complex and elaborate designs.
Read also: Assembling Lakeshore Cubbies
Community Playthings Boards
Community Playthings boards are a favorite among block play enthusiasts. These boards are durable, well-made, and provide a stable surface for building.
Lakeshore Learning Boards
Lakeshore Learning also offers building and roof boards that are compatible with their unit block sets. These boards are a great way to expand your child's block play possibilities.
Open Stock Blocks
Purchasing open stock blocks is a great way to add variety to your collection while being in total control of the block shapes and the budget.
Favorite Shapes
Some favorite shapes to add on to sets include:
- Large cylinders
- Quarter circle arches
- Intersections
Alternatives and Add-ons to Lakeshore Learning Blocks
While Lakeshore Learning offers a variety of excellent unit block sets, there are other brands and accessories that can complement and enhance your child's block play experience.
Read also: Parent's Review: Lakeshore Learning Easel
Constructive Playthings
Constructive Playthings is another reputable brand that offers high-quality unit blocks. Their Small School Set is a great starter set that includes a large number of basic shapes, while their School Unit Block Set is a more comprehensive option for children who are ready to commit to block play.
Guidecraft
Guidecraft offers a variety of unit block sets with unique shapes and designs. Their Unit Block Set D or E is a great option for children who are looking for more variety in their block play.
Everwood Friends
Everwood Friends is a small shop that offers a 78 Piece Classroom set with a good variety of blocks, including some fun special shape blocks like intersections and arches.
Guidecraft Arches & Tunnels
These arches and tunnels are a fun addition to block play and can be used to create bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
Constructive Playthings Junior Hollow Blocks
These miniature hollow blocks are compatible with unit blocks and can be used to create more complex and elaborate structures.
Guidecraft Little Bricks
These tiny bricks are weighted and have an awesome feel to them, adding a unique element to small world block play.
Considerations When Choosing Unit Blocks
When choosing unit blocks, there are several factors to consider:
- Budget: Unit blocks can range in price from affordable to quite expensive. Determine your budget before you start shopping to narrow down your options.
- Space: Consider the amount of space you have available for block play. If you are limited on space, you may want to choose a smaller set or a set that can be easily stored.
- Child's Age and Development: Choose a set that is appropriate for your child's age and developmental level. Younger children may benefit from a smaller set with basic shapes, while older children may be ready for a more complex set with a wider variety of shapes.
- Materials and Construction: Look for blocks that are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. Hardwood blocks are a classic choice, but soft foam blocks can be a good option for younger children.
- Variety of Shapes: Choose a set that includes a variety of shapes to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.
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