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"Standard Unit Block"

The block sets manufactured by Educational Concepts are based on the “standard unit” 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”.

Quality unit blocks are manufactured from Hard Maple, a solid non-splintering wood from forests of the Northeast. The physical nature of Maple combined with the “Standard Unit” principle creates a play environment in which children develop motor skills and absorb lessons of math and symmetry while totally engaged in the creative freedom of block play. Through play activities young children “discover” the relationship between units and other shapes and have the benefit of play objects that are substantial enough in terms of size and weight to stay in place as little hands and muscles develop. These characteristics are the key to the unique value of unit building blocks as a tool in the process of the physical and educational development of children.

There are many sets on the market today called unit blocks that do not meet the physical characteristics or the dimensional requirements of that designation. If the Pratt standard is not used, the block set becomes a collection of wood shapes that lose the math and other benefits of block play. If 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.

Educational Concepts offers 11 "Standard Unit Block" building block sets ranging in size from 18 to 150 pieces. All of our block sets are "Manufactured in the USA". Three of the 11 sets include our exclusive Block & Castle features.

Our Building Block Set Description chart identifies the block shapes and the quantity of each shape that is contained in each set. Click here and go to the "Building Block Set Description Chart"

A list of the sets you will find on "The Building Block Set Description Chart" follows:

• 19 Pc Maple Unit Blk Starter Set (Item No.420 ) - $37.85 .
• 36 Pc Maple Unit Blk Set (Item No.400) - $67.00 .
• 46 Pc Castle Accessory Set (Item No.435 ) - $69.50 .
• 18 Pc Maple Item Unit Blk Set (Item No.404 ) - $96.00 .
• 29 Pc Maple Item Unit Blk Set + Wagon (Item No.600 ) - $102.00 .
• 56 Pc Maple Unit Blk Set (Item No.401 ) - $101.00 .
• 58 Pc Maple Item Unit Blk Set + Wagon (Item No.602 ) - $167.00 .
• 93 Pc Maple Unit Blk Set (Item No.402 ) - $255.00 .
• 98 Pc Maple Castle Unit Blk Set (Item No.430 ) - $169.50 .
• 111 Pc Maple Unit Blk Set (Item No.403 ) - $348.00 .
• 150 Pc Maple Castle Unit Blk Set (Item No.440 ) - $289.00 .

All of the different block shapes used in our sets are also available for purchase as individual items. Click here and go to the "Individual Block Shapes Table"

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