Learning blocks can be an integral part of a childs learning process, as they can help them get to grips with numbers and letters, as well as the building process in general. However, there are many different sets of learning blocks out there, so it can be very difficult to know which set would be best for you.
Depending on what you’re looking for, one set of learning blocks will probably be better for your childs needs than another. So, it’s definitely worth looking around and trying to find a suitable set. Here, I’m going to talk through a few different sets that are currently available that you might want to think about. So, let’s take a look at the best learning blocks you can currently buy.
Best Learning Blocks
Melissa & Doug ABC Blocks
If you are looking for learning blocks in the most traditional sense, then this ABC set of blocks are likely to be a good choice for you. They are the typical learning blocks for young kids, and they come in a cute transport cart too for your kids to pull around with them.
This set doesn’t just have letters on them – each block also features different pictures and numbers too. Building blocks like these are important for helping your child build their vocabulary, as they can arrange the different letters to start forming words.
This block set is ideal for kids between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. It is high quality and made from wooden blocks, so you can be sure that it’s going to last. If you need to find a good set of learning blocks for a toddler, then this set would be ideal.
Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Another good option you might think about considering is this 100 piece wooden block set. It’s made by Melissa & Doug again, so you can be sure that it’s of a decent quality.
In this 100 piece set, you’re going to get 4 different colors. This can be extremely useful for help kids separate them out. As well as this, the shapes are all different (9 are 9 different shapes) which will be good for them to develop their problem solving abilities. Plus, it can get them away from the screen for a few hours at least!
A set like this one can be fantastic for helping a child improve their motor skills, as well as giving them the chance to build. Like all Melissa and Doug blocks, they are made to a decent standard & quality. However, they are still light enough for a child to be able to carry many of them at the same time. This set would probably suit toddlers all the way through to 7 or 8 years old.
Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes
If you want your child to start learning maths at a young age, then a set of Mathlink cubes like this can be perfect. It is a very easy way to help them develop their addition, subtraction and when they’re a little bit older even their ability to group numbers together. As there is 100 cubes in this set, it would be perfect for a child to learn counting from 0-100.
The math cubes feature all different shapes on the sides of each cube, which then link together with other cubes of the same shape. This can be a powerful learning tool not only for shapes, but also the ability to identify the same shape and link them together. If you are trying to prepare your child for schooling, then this might be the perfect way to prepare them for math class.
These cubes are quite small, so this set is unlikely to be suitable for smaller children. It’s recommended for children ages 5 or over, which is probably a good idea due to the small pieces.
Learning Resources Base 10 Blocks
Another good set if you are looking for something simpler to teach kids mathematics with is this Learning Resources block set. For those that want their kids to get to grips with any mathematical practice, this simple set would be perfect.
If you have a child that’s struggling with their math homework, then this would be a perfect way to give them a visual representation of what they’re doing. Many children just learn better with a hands on approach, and if you think your child is like that, then this could be the difference between them understanding math and them struggling.
5 Benefits of Building Blocks
If you’re wondering what the benefits of getting a set of building blocks for your child may be, then here I’m just going to run through a few different things which blocks can help your child improve upon.
- Hand eye co-ordination – Hand eye co-ordination is just utilizing the ability to use the eyes and the hands in tandem with each other. But for many kids, this doesn’t just come naturally. The use of building blocks can be a valuable learning tool to help their hand eye co-ordination improve.
- Motor skills – Many people don’t think about a childs motor skills, because they come naturally to us. However, they are a learned ability that learning blocks can help a child develop.
- Logical thinking – Logical thinking is just the ability to come to a conclusion using your own deductive reasoning. This can help children learn how to make sense of things, by ‘making sense’ of the learning blocks.
- Spatial awareness – Learning how you’re positioned in relation to other objects is something that is learned as an infant. Although it is an extremely important skill, it is developed early and is best encouraged through physical play.
- Math – Probably the most obvious benefit for a child using building blocks will be their ability to count. A child using a set of blocks will have a physical presence to count with, instead of having to count in their head. Plus, this can be very good for a childs engineering skills too. A child will learn the weight of a block, and how it can be used with others to build something.
Conclusion
This is just a few sets of the best learning blocks that you will be able to find online. There are many other sets available, so it is worth looking around if you’re looking for something different.
A good set of learning blocks should be simple, yet effective in helping a child to learn better. Learning blocks are especially important in a world that is becoming more technology focussed, we need to give children the ability to building things with their hands, not just through a screen (also check out the best kids science kits for more of that!). If you have any comments or suggestions then feel free to reach out!
