Intermediate Kit Beech

 For an accurate list of pieces, see the "List of Pieces" button on the previous page.

The Intermediate Kit is the best kit for children over the age of four.  It includes a full range of shapes including eight of the 22 inch rectangles.  There are enough pieces for making a couple of large buildings, roads, roofs, smokestacks, garages and towers.  It is big enough for two children to play without a lot of squabbling over the coveted blocks.  The kit is small enough to fit in the storage bags (included) which can then be stored in a plastic roll around cart from  a department store.  At this age, children like to translate a picture of something into a block replica and will also enjoy making towers that stretch to the ceiling.  They will also begin to make cantilevered structures and tall towers with small buildings balanced on top. Their vivid fantasy life at this stage may involve quite complicated stories complete with people, cars, and other toys, as well as construction projects with windows, doors, walkways, wheelchair ramps, etc.    Many of the smaller pieces become more fully integrated as decoration in battlements, fenestration, fancy entries, steps, and statuary.   Children vary in their interest in these things, but many of them become blockaholics, and will spend hours and days completing incredibly creative and complicated projects.  Additionally, this is a good set for cooperative play between four and five year old children and their younger siblings.  

The hand in the picture is a prop, adult, life size and is included to provide a sense of scale (doesn't come in the kit.   We invited PurrBagg the Cat to sit there, but it was a no-go.  The kit comes with a CD-ROM containing pictures of famous buildings and a mesh produce bag for storing the blocks. By clicking "List of Pieces" (above) you can see a list of the contents.  If there are particular shapes that you would like to add, you can find these on the "Open Stock" page.

 Our blocks are completely unfinished.  They are too large to pose a choking hazard and satisfy the CPSC rules for children under the age of three.  The blocks are sanded maple, and children can gum them without fear of chemical finishes or oils.  Germs are another matter.  Parents will be wise to keep them away from dogs as they enjoy chewing them.  They may be cleaned with a damp sponge or sanded with a fine sandpaper, but they shouldn't be allowed to soak as they will absorb water.