Learning Resources Number Blocks Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

The Stampoline Park stamp activity set I have been asked to review is based on the hit TV series “Number Blocks” which is currently shown on the CBeebies channel, and is designed to show you how numbers work. In 2017 the show was nominated for a BAFTA in the learning category. This set is based on an episode where one of the number blocks opens a stampoline park where the number blocks break themselves up into different shapes. We were able to watch this episode on you tube.

The box contains 32 pieces, 20 stamps and 12 ink pads in an array of bright, fun colours. 10 of the ink pads have two matching stamps.  One is a block and one is a face.  There are also two rectangular stamps pads, one black and one red and a getting started guide which as someone who had never seen the TV show was an essential.  It is all presented in a shaped plastic tray inside a cardboard box making it very easy to keep organised and store away. The contents provided are for you to create number blocks 1 to 10.

It is a very clever idea to get children engaged with numbers and maths in a fun way, and with characters they can get to know through the CBeebies show. I would suggest you get familiar with the concept and the characters via the TV show or you tube before you start using the set.  The set is marked as suitable for ages 3 and over.  Our three year old loved the process of putting ink on the stamps and making abstract pictures with them, but I think she is a bit young to fully understand the number block concept.  She was having so much fun just being creative with the stamps I couldn’t get her to focus on learning to count with them.  This is something we will have to revisit as she gets older, and to be honest I need to understand the concept better myself to get the best out of the set, so I will be watching the TV show again. Things have changed since I was at school but I do remember using little coloured blocks to help with numeracy.

Although the ink is washable and non toxic children should be supervised when using this set as colour from the ink can transfer to other surfaces or clothing.  Make sure they are putting the same coloured stamp into ink pad so the colours don’t get mixed up.  Wipe the stamp bases after use so you don’t get a build up of ink and always put the lids back on the ink pads to stop them drying out.

There is a QR code on the getting started guide to give you more games and activity ideas.  The set is priced at £25 and available from learningresources.co.uk delivery is free on UK orders over £50 who sell a large range of educational toys including other items in the number blocks range suitable for use in the classroom or at home.

Rating: 4/5