Don't spare the rods

Son discovered this box of Cuisenaire rods in a charity shop in Manchester and brought them down for his nieces to play/learn with.
Each coloured unit representing a fraction of the number ten, children can learn and absorb mathematical concepts just by playing with them. They can also be part of  teacher-led learning.

We were entranced by the simple beauty of the small wooden blocks (they are made in plastic now) and since the current  distributors and holders of the inventor's family* patent for the rods live in North Pembrokeshire,  and we know them, we were able to establish that this set probably dates back to the 1960s; also that they can supply any missing pieces. 

Another great charity shop find by Son 1 and rather more useful than the large marrow he brought from his Manchester allottment (and which, unused,  has gone back there with him.)

*Caleb Gattegno