{"product_id":"xl-polydron-buckyball-32-piece-giant-stem-construction-set-copy","title":"Giant Octoplay Set 1 - Tactile Construction Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiant Octoplay Set 1 is a 21-piece tactile construction set by Polydron, made from 100% recycled plastic and suitable for children aged 2 and over, including those with general SEND and learning differences. Polydron describe it as a good starter set for 1 or 2 children, and as an ideal resource for reception class and nursery settings. The 20 Giant Octoplay pieces feature textured surfaces that provide a sensory feel and measure 24 cm across, connecting simply and easily to build a wide range of imaginative models. A versatile storage pole is included and can also be incorporated into play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChildren use the set to build models including a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, and reindeer, with the same 20 pieces reconfigured each time. The connection mechanism is simple and easy to use, the pieces are lightweight and durable, and the set is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Colours are supplied in 4 tones, though these may vary due to the use of recycled materials. The set is compatible with XL Octoplay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFor schools\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Octoplay Set 1 is a well-suited resource for EYFS and SEND provision. Polydron explicitly describe it as ideal for reception class in primary schools and for preschoolers at nurseries. The textured surfaces provide a sensory element that supports engagement from children with a range of learning differences, while the simple connection mechanism makes the set accessible to children with developing fine motor skills. The wide variety of models -- animals, people, vehicles, and plants -- provides a natural hook for imaginative, language-rich play alongside the construction activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTextured surfaces for sensory engagement.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every piece features a textured surface that Polydron describe as providing a sensory feel, supporting children with SEND who benefit from tactile, hands-on resources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple connection for developing hands.\u003c\/strong\u003e The pieces connect easily, making the set accessible for children with developing fine motor skills and for those who find complex construction mechanisms frustrating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide range of models from one set.\u003c\/strong\u003e Children can build a person, dinosaur, dog, flower, horse, plane, fish, reindeer, and more from the same 20 pieces, providing variety and sustained engagement across multiple sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStarter set for 1 or 2 children.\u003c\/strong\u003e The set is sized and scoped for individual or paired work, making it well-suited to targeted SEND intervention sessions and paired learning activities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndoor and outdoor use.\u003c\/strong\u003e The lightweight, durable pieces are suitable for use in a classroom, SEND resource room, or outdoor learning area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFor parents and home use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Octoplay Set 1 gives children aged 2 and over an accessible, open-ended construction set that they can use independently or with a parent at home. The 20 pieces build into a variety of recognisable models -- dinosaurs, horses, planes, flowers, and more -- giving young children something purposeful and engaging to make without the frustration of complex mechanisms. The textured surfaces add a sensory dimension that many children with SEND find naturally engaging, and the included storage pole keeps everything tidy between sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessible for young and developing hands.\u003c\/strong\u003e The simple connection and 24 cm pieces are designed to be manageable for children from age 2, including those with general SEND and learning differences who benefit from straightforward, hands-on resources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotivating variety of models.\u003c\/strong\u003e Building a dinosaur, then a dog, then a plane from the same pieces keeps children engaged across many play sessions, supporting sustained attention and creative thinking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage pole included and doubles as a play piece.\u003c\/strong\u003e The storage pole keeps all 20 pieces together between uses and can also be incorporated into construction play, extending the set's versatility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSustainably made.\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% recycled plastic, BPA free, and fully recyclable -- a responsible choice for families.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSEND support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Octoplay Set 1 is a practical and accessible resource for children with a range of general SEND and learning differences. The textured surfaces on every piece provide a sensory element that supports tactile exploration alongside construction, making this set genuinely multi-sensory in a way that smooth-surfaced construction toys are not. The simple, easy connection mechanism ensures children with developing fine motor skills or coordination differences can engage successfully without adult intervention for every step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety of recognisable models -- animals, people, and vehicles -- means children can build towards a clear, motivating goal that connects to their own interests. This interest-led approach is particularly valuable for children with SEND who benefit from purposeful, self-directed activity. The lightweight, durable pieces are safe for independent use, and the set's compatibility with XL Octoplay means it can grow as a child develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are equipping a SEND resource space, an EYFS construction area, or providing a tactile construction resource at home, Giant Octoplay Set 1 is a well-designed, purposeful starter set from a trusted educational brand. Contact The Dyslexia Shop for advice on how this product fits within your SEND provision or home learning plan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Polydron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57604368925054,"sku":"TA2430","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0653\/6560\/6649\/files\/80-1000-giant-octoplay-set-1-recycled-logo.jpg?v=1782293292","url":"https:\/\/www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk\/products\/xl-polydron-buckyball-32-piece-giant-stem-construction-set-copy","provider":"The Dyslexia Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}