When you hear people talking about Math-U-See, no doubt the first thing you think of are the colorful math blocks. Well, maybe it’s that funny Steve guy in the videos, but the blocks are definitely the second thing you think about. 🙂
The manipulative blocks are designed to express mathematical concepts in a tangible and visual manner. Some of these mathematical concepts include numbers and counting, operations, factions, decimals, and more. The Integer Blocks are shipped as a kit, which come in a nifty cardboard box.
But, since your student will use the blocks from Primer to Algebra 1, it isn’t uncommon to need a different storage system to get you through the years.
If you’ve been with Math-U-See long enough, you know that we used to sell a wooden block box. Unfortunately, we no longer produce this item. We get a lot of requests to bring this back, but we have to admit, with the increased cost of production for the wooden box, and the fact that we added more blocks to our Integer Block Kits, the likelihood that we will be bringing the wooden block box back is highly slim.
But, we did want to give you a list of other storage options we have seen Math-U-See parents use.
Math-U-See Block Storage Options
1) Tackle Box
This is the most popular among homeschool parents and it’s easy to see why. Not only can you can separate your blocks into different compartments, the well-designed handle allows you to transport your blocks for learning adventures.
It’s just a simple 3 tier tackle box from my local K-mart, the labels were ones I cut & put there from normal label sticker paper. 🙂 – Kendra for The Curriculum Choice
2) Stack & Carry Container
Maybe you’re looking for something different, like this trendy, tiered stack & carry container.
Again, you are able to divide your blocks into separate sections and have a handle for easy transportation. The ability to stack each container is ideal for storage.
“I use a wide, shallow 25-qt Sterilite container with a latching lid. Kids can dig around and find the block they want quickly, but we can also put them away quickly because we don’t have to sort them into correct cubbies.” – Mystie from Simply Convivial
3) Bins
Bins are another great and inexpensive idea for block storage. You may already have bins around the house you can use, or you can scoop these items up the next time you go to Target – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t need an excuse to make a Target trip.
The main differences among the bins are the shape and design. All bins are easy to carry around the house. The fashionable design allows you to store your blocks in a shelving unit, or lay on a student work desk.
I hope you found these examples useful. If you and your homeschool family store your blocks another way, let us know in the comments below.
The box they come in would really be the perfect container to keep them in, if only the plastic insert that keeps the blocks sorted was a little sturdier. Ours is cracking and breaking after only one school year of use. 😔
Thank you for the feedback, Laurie. We’ll pass it on to our fulfillment manager.
I’m surprised yours lasted that long. The plastic insert was all busted up when I received mine :/ I do agree, it would be perfect if it were sturdy!
I agree that the box they came in is great. I also wish the insert was at least a little more sturdy. Ours was cracked and bent from shopping before it even got to us. 🙁 I still use the box for now though because the size for perfectly in our cabinet.
Ashley, I’m passing this feedback on to our fulfillment manager. Thank you! ~Aimee for Demme Learning
Why not produce a box large enough for the new number of manipulatives included in the kit and have it available as an add-on for those that would like to purchase it?
Hi, Tiffany, we found it too cost-prohibitive to produce a larger wooden box with our past manufacturer. We do keep track of requests like yours, though, and will consider the possibility in the future. Thank you for your feedback! ~Aimee for Demme Learning
You’d make a fortune if you had a plastic tackle box style container sold separately.
You should give us an add on option of the wooden box, if you will sell it separately I am sure a lot of people will purchase it. we are working with kids and storing system is very important for a good learning process and to preserve our purchase for the long run.
Please email me if or when you can purchase the wooden box separately (I already have the blocks).
We’re happy to know that our wooden box is still so popular. We had to discontinue them because as we grew and demand increased, our supplier was unable to keep up (he is a one-man shop). When we searched for a new vendor, we found that quality would go down or the price would go up based on the quantity we would need, and neither of those were acceptable choices to us. While we are open to exploring a new wooden solution in the future (as our needs continue to change), we don’t currently have any plans in the works. We know that storage can be a concern, so that’s why we are offering these suggestions. Please let us know if you find that any of these suggestions work for your storage needs, or if you come up with a solution of your own that would help others.
I agree!
Could you post a picture of what the box looked like? Im hoping my husband can build one. 😉
Hi, I bought the blocks and I really like the cardboard box that they come with, it totally solves the storage for me.
But, I was still trying to find the wooden box (a used one) and then I realized what I really like about it it’s THE SLITS TO PUT THE BLOCKS WHEN COMPARING THE LENGTHS.
The slits are the reason that makes me want to buy the wooden box, despite the fact that the cardboard box totally solves the storage for me.
So I would like to suggest that you guys could make and include or sell separately ONLY THE SLITS, IT COULD BE MADE OUT OF WOOD OR PLASTIC, it really doesn’t matter, but for the kids the slits make the comparison funner and easier (specially for the ones with special needs and motor skills challenges).
Hi Janice,
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll pass on your feedback.
Hi just wondering if your manipulatives snap together? Thank you
They do! 🙂
I just wanted to express our enthusiasm for your purpose made wooden storage box – I would absolutely purchase this as an add on!
I reinforced the box and plastic tray with packaging tape, as I do with every boxed item I get. (board games, puzzles, and the like. If the tape catches before you want it to, cut it there and start again. cut tape to lay tape flat on corners. I do not recommend duck tape at all. Way too messy down the road. If you have done this, powder rubbed on the exposed area will cut the gooeyness.
I still have my wooden box. The plexiglass broke and I’m trying to find a replacement.