The block sets manufactured by Oldfashionedblocks.com/Educational Concepts are based on the “Standard Unit Block” principle developed by educator Caroline Pratt in the early 1900’s. The dimensions of each block shape in a set of unit blocks is a multiple or a fraction of the size of the piece defined as the “unit”. The “unit” is a rectangular piece of maple measuring 5 1/2” in Length by 2 3/4” in width by 1 3/8” in height or thickness. The name of each basic rectangular block shape in a set is based on its size as compared to the length of the “unit”, e.g., the Unit Block is 5 1/2“ long while the Half Unit Block is 2 3/4” long, the Double Unit Block is 11” long and the Quad Unit Block is 22” long. The dimensions of all other block shapes, including the columns, the pillars, the triangles, the curves, etc., are proportional to the length, width and height dimensions of the “unit”. This is the source of the term, “Standard Unit Blocks”.
The fixed dimensional relationship between the "unit" and the other block shapes creates an environment in which children develop motor skills and "absorb" math concepts such as length, volume and fractions while totally engaged in the creative freedom of block play.
Through play activities children "discover" the relationship between the different standard unit block shapes and learn while playing, e.g., discovering that two Unit Triangles make a Unit Block, two Unit Pillars equal one Unit Block, etc...
Everything called a standard unit block is not a "True" standard unit block and "Selected Hardwood" and "Rubberwood" are not "Hard Maple"
There are many sets on the market today called unit blocks that do not meet the physical characteristics or the dimensional requirements of the Caroline Pratt standard. A block set that is not built to the standard becomes a collection of wood shapes that do not provide the math and other benefits of "standard unit" block play. If the blocks are not manufactured from Maple, the weight, durability and non-splintering nature of Maple are lost. You should consider these important characteristics when you are contemplating the purchase of building blocks.
The weight of standard unit blocks manufactured from "maple" provides the advantage of creating stable play objects. Maple building blocks are substantial enough to allow children to build towers high into the sky and roads reaching as far as imagination will allow. The effect of combining the standard unit principal and maple's "weight" and "non-splintering" characteristics adds to the unique contribution made by wooden block play to a child's physical and educational development. All blocks surfaces are hand sanded to eliminate roughnness and to round all edges. There are "no" oil or paint finishes on unit building blocks produced by Oldfashionedblocks.com.
The Oldfashionedblocks.com line offers twelve sets of standard unit blocks
Set sizes range from 18 to 326 pieces with 3 sets incorporating our exclusive Block & Castle features.
The unit blocks set description chart identifies the standard unit block shapes and quantity of that shape contained in each of the sets. The individual standard unit block shapes are also available and may be purchased seperately.
Click on the links below to visit the sets that are of interest.
Prices for complete Unit Building Block sets & ABC block
items
Click on the links below to be taken to the detail for
each item
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Our Wooden Blocks
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Regular Price
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$ 104.00
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$ 41.00
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$ 117.00
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$ 72.00
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$ 75.00
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$ 109.00
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$ 180.00
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$ 275.00
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$ 183.00
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$ 376.00
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$ 312.00
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$ 810.00
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See Item
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$ 5.00
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$157.00
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$144.00
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$ 417.00
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