Play set:Guaranteed Tuff Stuff Blocks

Alphabet blocks have a long and illustrious history. John Locke, a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, first introduced the concept of the alphabet block in 1693, announcing that dice and playthings with letters on them would help teach young children how to read. In the 18th century, Friedrich Wilhelm August Froebel, the pioneer of the kindergarten movement, designed a number of educational play materials, including a carved wooden block with letters imprinted on its sides. By the 19th century, major American toy manufacturers began producing alphabet blocks en masse. Educators today still recognized the multidimensional value of alphabet blocks. Not only do they promote literacy, but they can also help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, improve interaction with peers, and encourage imaginative play. Even in a world filled with advanced educational tools and technology, simple, centuries-old wooden alphabet blocks maintain an important place in the playroom and the classroom.