The other day Nana and Papa (my mother and father-in-law) came to visit, and we needed something to do with them. It was great to be able to pull out our big set of Wooden Pattern Blocks, offering endless opportunities for creative thinking and family interaction.
We received the set of blocks, along with Pattern Animals: Puzzles for Pattern Blocks in our 1st grade curriculum through My Father’s World. Although the blocks are nothing extravagant, they are great for teaching kids to think critically, especially when paired with the Pattern Animals book. I have enjoyed getting down on the floor and working with the boys as we create new creatures and discover different solutions to the puzzles before us. It has been especially interesting to see how each of us thinks through problems differently. There is more than one way to solve a problem, and my solution is not always the best!
After spending some time using the blocks, my mother-in-law decided she needed to buy some to use at her daycare. After all of her years of daycare, it was exciting that she was able to find a product she felt was worthy of adding to her collection of toys and activities.
Although the price for the Wooden Pattern Blocks ($29.95) seems high to me at first glance, I am very glad to have purchased them. I imagine these blocks will probably outlast me, and will offer us hours of creative fun. Be sure to pair it with the Pattern Animals: Puzzles for Pattern Blocks book ($9.95). As suggested in the curriculum, we went ahead and cut out the book pages and placed sheet protectors on each one. This will extend the life of our book, giving us years of activities.
As for age appropriateness, kids up through 3rd grade will enjoy the challenges posed by the set. Kids can get as creative as they want to be, and with 250 wooden pieces, the possibilities are endless.
(Although the block set and book are part of the My Father’s World First Grade Deluxe Package, they can be purchased individually towards the bottom of the First Grade page.)
