Building blocks are some of the simplest classic toys, and technology now makes it possible for even the simplest toys to talk, sing and rhyme...but is it necessary? If the high-tech blocks work well and the sounds add to the play value, then I'd chalk it up to progress, but I found Smarcks talking blocks confusing and odd.
Smarcks are large, plastic blocks that look like Duplo blocks. A set of 70 blocks includes one blue block that talks. (The talking blocks are also available in three-block sets.) Click the blue, talking block to any other block and it says one of nine phrases.
The blue block said, "Honest and true and never say a lie, that is what a Smarck will always try." See what I mean about confusing? What does that mean?
I attached the blue block to a green block and it said, "I am a blue block and I want to play with you." I think that's very confusing for a toddler learning her colors. She has a different block in each hand. Which one is the blue one?
I also found that they don't talk each time they're attached. Once it took me 10 tries to trigger the sounds.
The dad who invented Smarcks has important objectives in mind. He set out to develop an educational toy that encourages parents to interact with their kids and build together. Other Smarck sets teach math, letters, shapes and even manners.
Maybe I'm a stick-in-the-mud purist, but I don't really see the added value. These blocks are fun to play with without the talking blocks. My toddler can easily build tall towers with them. Plus, the 70-piece-set's plastic container is sturdy and useful for storage.
These are great toys for kids as they are so simple. I have found after 3 years of having little ones the inanimate objects in your house that are safe of course can provide hours more fun!