Standard Unit Blocks
The meaning of the term "Standard Unit Block"
Our block sets are manufactured based on the “Standard Unit Block” 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”.
The fixed dimensional relationship between the "unit"
and the other block shapes creates an environment in which children
develop motor skills and "absorb" math concepts such as length, volume
and fractions while totally engaged in the creative freedom of block
play.
Through play activities children "discover"
the relationship between the different standard unit block shapes and
learn while playing, e.g., discovering that two Unit Triangles make a
Unit Block, two Unit Pillars equal one Unit Block, etc...
Everything
called a standard unit block is not a "True" standard unit block and
"Selected Hardwood" and "Rubberwood" are not "Hard Maple"
There are many sets on the market today called unit blocks that do not
meet the physical characteristics or the dimensional requirements of
the Caroline Pratt standard. A block set that is not built to the
standard becomes a collection of wood shapes that do not provide the
math and other benefits of "standard unit" block play. If the 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.
The weight of standard unit blocks manufactured from "maple"
provides the advantage of creating stable play objects. Maple building
blocks are substantial enough to allow children to build towers high
into the sky and roads reaching as far as imagination will allow. The
effect of combining the standard unit principal and maple's "weight"
and "non-splintering" characteristics adds to the unique contribution
made by wooden block play to a child's physical and educational
development. All blocks surfaces are hand sanded to eliminate
roughnness and to round all edges. There are "no" oil or paint finishes on unit building blocks sold playfulwoodentoys.com.
Set sizes range from 20 to 326 pieces with 3 sets incorporating our exclusive Block & Castle features.
