WOODEN BLOCKS & PUZZLES

Below is a sample of what you will find in The Joyful Child. However, the Michael Olaf catalogues contain 160 pages of text and products so we highly recommend that you order your own paper copy and curl up with it in a peaceful moment instead of spending more time on the computer! To order your copy of The Joyful child see: www.michaelolaf.net/ordering.html

Return to: www.michaelolaf.com/1CWhome.html  (CHILD OF THE WORLD products, 3- 12+)
To see the Montessori philosophy and practice page of "Age 3-6+  Blocks and Puzzles" go to: www.michaelolaf.net/1CW36blocks.html

TRADITIONAL BUILDING BLOCKS
Blocks are probably the most important creative toys for young children. Through block play a child learns about physics—the relationship between weight, balance, and stability. She practices physical coordination and eye-hand control, and learns about geometric plane and solid forms. As far as planning, focus, and concentration, there has never been a toy in our house that has engaged a child for longer periods of time in constructive activity. Combined with the use of little human figures and animal models, blocks are extremely good for the imagination and the processing of everyday events and emotions. The Individual Set contains 45 pieces, 14 shapes, and weighs 16 pounds. The Starter Set contains 86 pieces in 14 shaped and weighs 50 pounds. The Intermediate Set contains 170 pieces in 21 shapes and weighs 87 pounds.
These highest-quality blocks are made of kiln-dried northern hard maple (20% stronger than soft maple). Each block is finely sanded, all edges beveled and corners safely rounded. They are based on the traditional unit of 2.75" x 5.5" x 1.25." Because of the weight, blocks are shipped directly from the Minnesota woods to you and can take up a month to receive.

DT259 Individual Set $115.00
DT264 Starter Set $240.00
DT265 Intermediate Set $490.005

BLOCK STORAGE
These two block storage units help the child with the sense of order which is prominent at this age. Both units are caster mounted and can easily be moved from place to place by the child. The block shelf enables the child to sort blocks by size and shape, and can have many other uses in the home or classroom. The block cart is 24" wide x 15" deep x 16.5" tall. The block shelf is 24" wide x 15" deep x 35" tall. Both are made of high quality birch plywood with long-lasting finish and well-sanded edges.

DT358 Block Cupboard $250.00
DT045 Block Cart  $113.00

ARCOBALENO
Arcobaleno is a puzzle and a construction toy rolled into one. Children can assemble the arches to construct a circular puzzle and can stretch their imaginations to create bridges, tunnels, bowls, domes, towers, corrals, spiral houses, and fascinating sculptural forms. The beautiful wooden forms of natural wood, and bright rainbow colors, are made in Vermont from the finest maple and birch hardwood to last years. Every piece is sanded and finished for beauty and pleasure in handling. Arcobaleno is Spanish for rainbow.

This is more often found in museum stores than toy stores. Included are twelve arches in six different colors and sizes, and a hardwood 9.5" tray.

DT19  $45.00

KAPLA BLOCKS
TINY WOODEN BLOCK FAMILY
TOWER OF TEN BLOCKS
ARCHITECTURAL BLOCKS

WOODEN MAGNET PUZZLES
CUBES EN BOIS
THINK AND MATCH PUZZLES
JIGSAW PUZZLES IN A BOX
48-PIECE JIGSAW FRAME PUZZLES
24-PIECE JIGSAW FRAME PUZZLES
ANIMAL FLOOR PUZZLES

And books appropriate for this age and subject