A hands-on way to build early number sense

The Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray is a hands-on maths resource from Learning Resources that builds early maths skills through hands-on exploration. For children with SEND and other learning differences, working with physical, magnetic pieces rather than numbers on a page can make early counting, shape recognition and problem-solving feel far more approachable.

The set includes 71 foam maths magnets featuring numbers, shapes, number words and maths symbols, which attach to a magnetic dry-erase tray to keep everything organised during an activity. Five double-sided dry-erase activity mats invite children to match, count, write and represent numbers, supported by a dry-erase marker and an activity guide.

For schools

• Combines number, shape and symbol recognition in one hands-on resource, suited to EYFS and KS1 provision.
• Magnetic pieces and a dedicated tray keep resources organised and tidy during whole-class or small-group sessions.
• Double-sided, reusable activity mats support repeated use across classes and groups without extra printing.
• A practical addition to early number sense intervention as part of a graduated approach for pupils with SEND.

For parents and home use

• Turns early number and shape practice into hands-on play rather than a worksheet.
• The magnetic tray keeps all the pieces together, making it easy to pick up and put down at home.
• Guided activities give parents a ready-made starting point for match, count, write and represent tasks.

For children with SEND and other learning differences, connecting a number, its word and its symbol through a physical, magnetic piece can support understanding in a way that written work alone does not always achieve. The set is designed to let children engage, reason and problem-solve through guided exploration, building foundational number sense and early operations skills.

Whether you are a school building a set of early maths resources for SEND provision, or a parent looking for a calmer way to approach numbers and shapes at home, the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray is ready to use straight away.

• 71 foam maths magnets featuring numbers, shapes, number words and maths symbols.
• 1 magnetic dry-erase activity tray to keep pieces organised.
• 5 double-sided dry-erase activity mats for match, count, write and represent activities.
• Includes 1 dry-erase marker and 1 activity guide.
• Recommended age: 3 years and up.
• Contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazard.
• Manufacturer: Learning Resources. Manufacturer's own item number: 98840.

• Connects numbers, words and symbols in one piece. Foam magnets give children with SEND a physical way to link a number, its word and its symbol.
• Keeps everything organised. The magnetic dry-erase tray holds all 71 pieces in place during a lesson or activity.
• One set, many settings. Works for whole-class teaching, small-group intervention, and one-to-one practice at home.
• Trusted educational brand. Made by Learning Resources, a well-established name in hands-on classroom and home learning resources.

What's in the Box

• 1 x Magnetic Dry-Erase Activity Tray
• 5 x double-sided dry-erase Activity Mats
• 1 x Dry-Erase Marker
• 71 x Foam Maths Magnets
• 1 x Activity Guide

Care and Cleaning

The activity mats and tray are designed to be written on and wiped clean, allowing activities to be repeated.

Safety and Age Suitability

Contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazard. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray?
  It is a hands-on early maths resource from Learning Resources with 71 foam magnets featuring numbers, shapes, number words and maths symbols. It includes a magnetic tray, five activity mats, a marker and an activity guide.
• Is this tray suitable for a classroom with pupils who have SEND or other learning differences?
  Yes, the magnetic, hands-on pieces give pupils with SEND and other learning differences a physical way to connect numbers, words and symbols. It supports whole-class teaching, small-group intervention and one-to-one work.
• Can I use the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray at home with my child?
  Yes, it is designed for both classroom and home use. The magnetic tray keeps all the pieces together, making it easy to set up number and shape practice at home.
• Who is the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray suitable for in the classroom?
  It suits EYFS and KS1 provision, supporting guided activities that invite children to match, count, write and represent numbers. Schools can use it as part of intervention support for pupils who need a more hands-on approach.
• What age is the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray suitable for?
  It is recommended for children aged 3 years and up. It contains small parts and is not suitable for children under 3 years due to a choking hazard.
• What is included in the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray?
  The set includes 71 foam maths magnets, one magnetic dry-erase activity tray, five double-sided activity mats, one dry-erase marker and one activity guide.
• Is the Numbers and Shapes Activity Tray reusable?
  Yes, the dry-erase activity mats and tray can be used again and again with the included marker. The magnetic foam pieces are also designed for repeated classroom or home use.