hand2mind Numberblocks Heroes with Zeroes MathLink Cubes Activity Set (Numberblocks licensed math cubes)

Key takeaways on how kids use it

If you’re shopping for preschool-friendly math manipulatives, this hand2mind Numberblocks Heroes with Zeroes MathLink Cubes Activity Set is designed around one clear idea: learning numbers feels more natural when children can build, move, and play instead of only counting on paper. It leans on the Numberblocks TV world (it’s officially licensed), with character accessories and activity cards meant to guide how kids practice core skills.

On paper, it’s best suited for early learners who respond well to story-based activities—especially if your homeschool or preschool routine needs something hands-on that can cover multiple math concepts during the same session. Still, keep expectations realistic: this isn’t a “one-time” toy. It’s a practice set, so you’ll get more value when you actually use the activity cards and revisit counting games over time.

What it is and what it’s for (hands-on math)

This is an activity set built around MathLink Cubes and Numberblocks-themed pieces. Children can connect the cubes, build Numberblocks characters (including Ten, Twenty, Thirty, up to One Hundred), and follow prompts from cards tied to Numberblocks episodes.

Typical activities focus on: - Counting and counting by 10s - Place value - Building number representations - Games for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing (with support from the card prompts)

A small but useful detail is that it includes double-sided cards—so you can flip between different character/building steps and game prompts rather than relying on a single instruction type.

What really stands out in use

Where this set feels different from generic counting cubes is the blend of manipulatives + structured prompts. The activity cards act like a “light guide” for what to do next, which can help keep a session from turning into free building only.

Imagine a quick session: a child picks an activity card, then uses the Numberlings/character cards plus the cube system to build the character for the number. From there, a double-sided prompt encourages counting by 10s or moving into an addition/subtraction step. It’s the kind of flow that supports participation—kids are building while practicing, not just watching.

What you may want to watch for before buying

Even with a story theme, this set still depends on engagement with cards and prompted activities. If your child prefers totally open-ended building with no instruction prompts, you may find the activity cards get used less often.

Also, since the set is aimed at preschool/kindergarten learning, it may feel more like a foundation tool than a deep-operations math system. If your goal is advanced math practice, you might find this sits closer to early number sense and operations rather than higher-level problem solving.

The essentials: included components at a glance

The set comes with a fairly robust collection of pieces for repeated play and activity variety, including hundreds of MathLink Cubes plus additional connectors and faceplates. It also includes character-related parts (Numberlings), double-sided activity cards, and double-sided character cards, along with accessories.

It’s also packaged with a plastic storage case with a lid, which matters more than people think if you want the pieces to stay together for preschool use.

When it makes sense—and when it doesn’t

It’s a strong match if you want preschool homeschool supplies or kindergarten learning manipulatives that combine: - a licensed character theme (Numberblocks) - hands-on cube building - episode-tied activity cards for structure

It might not be the best match if you’re specifically trying to find a set that’s mostly about free-form STEM building without card-led games, or if you’re shopping for higher-grade math depth.

If you’re deciding between buying a manipulative bundle versus a more purely “worksheet-based” approach, this one is clearly leaning toward learning by constructing and playing. The payoff is in how often you’ll pull it out and run the activities.

Mini FAQ

Is it aimed at preschool or kindergarten?

Yes. The set is described as preschool/kindergarten learning supplies and focuses on foundational number skills like counting, place value, and early operations.

What kind of math activities does it include?

It’s built around activity cards that encourage counting by 10s and practice with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using the Numberblocks theme and the cube builds.

Does it include enough pieces for different builds?

It includes 506 MathLink Cubes plus additional connectors (dual connector cubes), faceplates, character-related pieces, activity cards, accessories, and storage.

Is the storage case included?

Yes, the set includes a plastic storage case with a lid.

Should you buy it?

Buy it if you want an officially licensed Numberblocks math cubes activity set that uses MathLink Cubes plus double-sided cards to keep practice structured—especially for counting, place value, and early addition/subtraction/multiplication/division games.

Skip it if your child is unlikely to use card prompts or you’re looking for advanced math content. For most families, though, it’s the kind of “build-and-play” tool that can be revisited often without getting boring too quickly—provided you’re willing to run the activities, not just leave it in the toy bin.