Learning Resources Number Blocks Stampoline Park Activity Set Review

Reviewed by Sue Rumble

www.learning-resources.co.uk

This stamp set is based on the children’s TV programme Number Blocks, where the blocks are animated and colour coded to help preschool children learn about numbers, number sequences and basic addition. The characters have different expressions and get involved in a variety of activities & games.

There are 20 different stamps and 12 different coloured inkpads. There are two stamps for each colour, one plain block and the other with the face. The idea is to build up the characters using the stamps for example number 5 – blue – you would stamp 4 plain blocks then the fifth would be the face. By adding together different colour blocks you can make rainbow characters and also make shapes – a rectangle for 8 or a square for 9. The more blocks that are used the more shapes that can be made.

I thought that this would be a good educational activity for my 3 year old grandson. However, it was my 8 year old granddaughter who was excited when she saw the box. She said that she remembers watching and playing with number blocks from preschool. She started playing with the blocks immediately telling her younger brother he had to wait for his turn. We put the TV programme on so that my grandson could see the characters and understand what it was about.

He started playing with the stamps but was not really engaged with building the numbers – he just liked stamping different colours and the different faces. I am sure that as he plays with it more he will start to build up the numbers and put blocks together to help with his numeracy skills.

The box is very bright and colourful meaning it would be very inviting to young children. It is easy to get into – a bonus as children can get frustrated if they have to wait for new toys to be opened. The ink stamps and blocks fit back into the packaging really easily so children are able to help to tidy up. There is also a really useful carrying handle also helpful for young children.

The ink is non toxic but warns on the box that children should be supervised. There is a warning on the box that the ink could transfer from the stamps stain carpets, fabric and plastic – although it says that it is washable.

I really like this toy as a learning resource and can see it being used in pre schools and at home, to help 3 and 4 year olds learn and enjoy maths. By making up the colourful characters with the stamps or blocks they are able to relate to the TV programme and the stories that they have watched, creating their favourite episode. Learning through play is how young children begin the basics of their education.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £17 – £25

This product can be purchased from Learning Resources here.