What is the Solid Magnetic Polydron Essential Shapes Set?

The Solid Magnetic Polydron Essential Shapes Set (code 50-9200) is a 104-piece magnetic construction kit from Polydron for children aged 3 and over. It contains 36 squares, 36 equilateral triangles, 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, plus a model guide. Every piece is magnetic, and the set is made from ABS plastic with 70% recycled content.

What can children build with the Essential Shapes Set?

With four different shapes and 104 pieces, children can move beyond simple cubes and pyramids to more complex 3D solids. Pentagons and hexagons open up models such as dodecahedra and hexagonal prisms. Each square measures 6 x 6 cm. Polydron describes this as the set for teaching geometry, construction and polarity to larger groups of children. Colour coding in four bright colours helps children learn which edges attract, and the set is compatible with Magnetic Polydron.

For schools

• 104 pieces give larger groups enough shapes to build at the same time in EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
• Supports maths teaching on 2D and 3D shape, nets, faces, edges and vertices.
• Concrete models support Quality First Teaching before pupils move to pictures and diagrams.
• Works well in SEND provision and maths intervention groups.
• Can be sterilised with an alcohol-based sanitiser, which helps with shared use.

For parents and home use

• Lets children explore four shape types through open-ended building at home.
• Magnetic edges make joining easy, so children build with growing confidence.
• Picking up and placing pieces supports fine motor development.
• The model guide gives parents ready-made ideas to start with.
• Suitable from age 3 with adult supervision, as the pieces contain magnets.

Supporting learners with SEND and learning differences

Hands-on construction helps many learners with SEND and learning differences make sense of shape and space. With Solid Magnetic Polydron, children can hold a hexagon, count its sides and see how it joins to other shapes. The magnets guide pieces into place, and the colours give clear visual cues. Building and unfolding nets turns abstract geometry into something concrete that children can repeat at their own pace.

The Solid Magnetic Polydron Essential Shapes Set is available to order from The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences, for classrooms, nurseries and homes.

• Contents: 36 squares, 36 equilateral triangles, 12 pentagons, 20 hexagons and 1 model guide
• Total pieces: 104
• Square size: 6 x 6 cm
• Colours: Four bright colours
• Material: ABS plastic, 70% recycled, BPA free
• Packaging: Sturdy reusable carton, which is recyclable
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 30.8 x 24.2 x 7 cm
• Weight: 2.2 kg
• Age: 3 years and over
• Compatibility: Compatible with Magnetic Polydron
• Care: Sterilise with an alcohol-based sanitiser
• Awards: European Product Design Award and Teach Early Years 3 Star Award for Creative Play (as stated by Polydron)
• Brand: Polydron (Solid Magnetic Polydron range)
• Polydron product code: 50-9200
• Barcode (EAN-13): 5060164538172

• Four shape types. Squares, triangles, pentagons and hexagons let children build more complex 3D solids than a starter set.
• Built for larger groups. 104 pieces give a whole table or class group enough shapes to share.
• Made with recycled plastic. Polydron makes this set with 70% recycled plastic in a reusable carton.
• Award-winning design. Polydron states the set has won a European Product Design Award and a Teach Early Years award.
• Trusted UK supplier. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences.

What's in the Box

• 36 x squares (6 x 6 cm)
• 36 x equilateral triangles
• 12 x pentagons
• 20 x hexagons
• 1 x model guide

Compatibility

Compatible with Magnetic Polydron.

Care and Cleaning

Clean by sterilising with an alcohol-based sanitiser.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for ages 3 years and over. This product contains magnets. Polydron warns that magnets which are swallowed or inhaled can stick together or to metal inside the body and cause serious or fatal injury. Seek medical help immediately if this happens.

Delivery and Returns

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

• What is the Solid Magnetic Polydron Essential Shapes Set?
  It is a 104-piece magnetic geometry construction kit made by Polydron for children aged 3 and over. The set contains 36 squares, 36 equilateral triangles, 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons in four bright colours, plus a model guide. Children use it to build 2D patterns and nets, then fold them into 3D solids.
• What age is the Essential Shapes Set suitable for?
  Polydron states the Essential Shapes Set is suitable for children aged 3 years and over. Nursery children can make patterns and simple shapes, while older pupils can build complex solids using pentagons and hexagons. The pieces contain magnets, so adults should supervise play with younger children.
• How does the Essential Shapes Set help with maths in school?
  The set helps pupils learn 2D and 3D shape by building them. Children can make nets, fold them into solids and count faces, edges and vertices. With 104 pieces and four shape types, Polydron describes it as a set for teaching geometry, construction and polarity to larger groups of children.
• Can families use the Essential Shapes Set at home?
  Yes, the set suits home learning and open-ended play for children aged 3 and over. Children can copy models from the included guide or design their own. The magnetic edges make building easier for small hands, and joining pieces gives regular fine motor practice alongside early shape vocabulary.
• Is it suitable for children with SEND or learning differences?
  Yes, many children with SEND and learning differences benefit from hands-on, visual maths resources like this one. The magnets guide pieces into place, which can reduce frustration. Children can hold and count the sides of each shape, and adults can adjust tasks to suit each learner's needs and pace.
• What is included in the Essential Shapes Set?
  The set includes 104 magnetic pieces and a model guide. There are 36 squares measuring 6 x 6 cm, 36 equilateral triangles, 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, supplied in four bright colours. Polydron lists the size as 30.8 x 24.2 x 7 cm and the weight as 2.2 kg.
• How is the Essential Shapes Set different from the Class Set?
  The Essential Shapes Set adds pentagons and hexagons to the squares and triangles. The Solid Magnetic Polydron Class Set has 72 pieces in two shapes, while the Essential Shapes Set has 104 pieces in four shapes. The extra shapes let children build more complex 3D solids.
• How do you clean Solid Magnetic Polydron pieces?
  Polydron recommends cleaning the pieces by sterilising them with an alcohol-based sanitiser. This helps keep a shared set clean between groups in a classroom or nursery. The pieces are BPA free and made from 70% recycled ABS plastic, and they are supplied in a reusable, recyclable carton.