Polydron

Polydron construction sets are interlocking shapes that children join together to build nets, 3D shapes and models, so they learn geometry through hands-on play from EYFS to Key Stage 2 and beyond. The range runs from Giant Octoplay for children aged 2 and over to Magnetic Polydron and Frameworks for primary maths.

Read moreRead less

Our top pick

Giant Octoplay Set 3 - 84-piece large-scale construction kit

The Giant Octoplay Set 3 is our top pick for nurseries, Reception classes and busy family play spaces. Each piece measures 24 cm across, so small hands can grip and slot them together with ease while building fine motor skills, spatial awareness and teamwork. The set is made from BPA-free, 100% recycled plastic, works indoors and outdoors, and comes with storage poles that keep the pieces tidy between sessions.

Price: £250.00 | View the Giant Octoplay Set 3

We stock the full family of Polydron ranges in one place: Giant Octoplay and My First Octoplay for toddlers, Giant and XL Polydron for large-scale group building, Junior Polydron and KinderMag for early years, and Original Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Sphera and Magnetic Polydron for primary and secondary maths.

Polydron has been used in classrooms for decades. The original squares and triangles were invented by Edward Harvey in the early 1970s, and the company is still based in the Cotswolds today.

How do Polydron construction sets help children learn maths?

Polydron turns shape and space into something children can hold. Pieces join along their edges, so a flat net folds up into a cube, prism or pyramid in front of the child. In the National Curriculum, pupils name common 2D and 3D shapes from Year 1 and build 3D shapes and their nets in Year 6, and Polydron supports every step in between, from sorting and symmetry to tessellation and Platonic solids.

Which Polydron set should I choose for my child's age?

Match the range to age and hand size. KinderMag suits children from 12 months, while Giant Octoplay, My First Octoplay, Giant and XL Polydron start from age 2. Junior Polydron and most Magnetic Polydron sets start from age 3, Original Polydron from age 4, and Polydron Frameworks and the Magnetic Polydron Mathematics Set from ages 5 to 6. Check the age on each product page before you buy.

What is the difference between Original and Magnetic Polydron?

Original Polydron pieces clip together with hinged joints, so models stay rigid and can be folded open and closed to show nets. Magnetic Polydron pieces join with magnets, which makes them quicker to build with and easier for younger children or anyone who finds pushing clips together tiring. Polydron Frameworks pieces have open centres, so children can see inside a shape and spot its edges and vertices.

Which Polydron sets work best for a whole class?

For whole-class teaching, look for the class sets, such as the Original Polydron Class Set, Magnetic Polydron Super Class Set or Junior Polydron Class Set, which hold enough pieces for groups to build at the same time. For outdoor areas and EYFS settings, Giant and XL Polydron work well. Polydron says XL Polydron is four times bigger than Giant Polydron and that the two connect together, so you can grow a collection over time.

Who is Polydron for?

Schools and nurseries: teachers and maths leads use Polydron to teach shape and space across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, as well as STEM and design and technology projects with the Engineer and Bridges sets. You can find more classroom resources in our maths teaching aids range, and we accept school orders with 30-day credit.

Parents and families: Polydron is a screen-free construction toy that builds problem solving, spatial awareness and creativity at home. A starter set such as the Junior Polydron Set or My First Octoplay Set is a good place to begin.

Children with dyspraxia (DCD): large Giant and Octoplay pieces are easier to grasp, and magnetic sets join without needing to push clips together, so children can practise building without fine motor tasks getting in the way. Browse our fine motor skills and dyspraxia ranges for more ideas.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is Polydron?

Polydron is a geometric construction system made of shapes, such as triangles, squares and pentagons, that join along their edges to make nets, 3D shapes and models. It was invented by Edward Harvey in the early 1970s and is used in nurseries, primary and secondary schools to teach shape, space and early engineering through hands-on building.

What age is Polydron suitable for?

Polydron covers a wide age range, depending on the set. KinderMag starts from 12 months, Giant Octoplay, Giant Polydron and XL Polydron from age 2, Junior Polydron and most Magnetic Polydron sets from age 3, and Original Polydron from age 4. Most Polydron Frameworks sets start from age 6, so families and schools can move up through the ranges as children grow.

Is Magnetic Polydron compatible with Original Polydron?

Magnetic Polydron and Original Polydron use different joining systems, so they are best treated as separate ranges. Original Polydron pieces clip together with hinged joints, while Magnetic Polydron pieces join with magnets and connect with other Magnetic Polydron sets. If you are adding to an existing collection, choose a set from the same range.

What is Polydron used for in schools?

Schools use Polydron to teach geometry in a hands-on way, from naming 2D and 3D shapes in Year 1 to building 3D shapes and their nets in Year 6. Teachers also use it for symmetry, tessellation, Platonic solids, problem solving and STEM or design and technology projects with the Engineer and Bridges sets.

What is the difference between Giant Polydron and XL Polydron?

XL Polydron is the larger of the two. Polydron says XL Polydron is four times bigger than Giant Polydron, and that the two ranges connect together. Giant Polydron is more compact and suits indoor classroom space, while XL Polydron is well suited to outdoor areas and large group builds in nurseries and Reception classes.

Can Polydron help children with dyspraxia?

Large-scale Polydron sets can make construction play more accessible for children with dyspraxia (DCD). Giant Octoplay pieces measure 24 cm across, so they are easier to grip and slot together, and Magnetic Polydron joins with magnets rather than clips. This lets children focus on building and problem solving rather than on fiddly connections.

Which Polydron set is best for a whole class?

Class sets are the best choice for whole-class teaching because they contain enough pieces for several groups to build at once. Popular options include the Original Polydron Class Set with 184 pieces, the Magnetic Polydron Super Class Set with 184 pieces and the Junior Polydron Class Set with 372 pieces for early years settings.