What is the Original Polydron Basic Set?

The Original Polydron Basic Set (code 10-3005) is a 164-piece shape construction kit from Polydron for children aged 4 and over. It contains 100 equilateral triangles, 40 squares and 24 pentagons, plus an Exploring Polydron activity booklet. The pieces snap together at the edges to form a strong hinge, so flat nets fold up into solid 3D shapes.

What can you build with the Polydron Basic Set?

With 164 pieces in four colours, children can make flat 2D tessellations, then fold them into cubes, pyramids, prisms and other polyhedra. Each square measures 7.3 x 7.3 cm, a size that small hands can grip and join. Polydron describes the set as a leading resource for teaching shape and space, 2D and 3D geometry, and design and technology. The pieces also connect with Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer, so the set can grow over time.

For schools

• Supports the maths curriculum on 2D and 3D shape, nets, faces, edges and vertices across KS1 and KS2, with extension work at KS3.
• Gives pupils a concrete model to handle before moving to pictorial and abstract work, in line with Quality First Teaching.
• 164 pieces allow small groups to build and compare shapes at the same time.
• Dishwasher safe at 70°C, which helps keep shared classroom resources clean.
• Works well in SEND provision and intervention groups where hands-on resources are needed.

For parents and home use

• Lets children explore shape and pattern through open-ended building at home.
• Snapping the pieces together gives regular fine motor practice.
• The Exploring Polydron booklet offers ready-made ideas for parents to start with.
• Suitable from age 4, with enough challenge to keep older children building complex models.
• Seeing a flat net fold into a solid shape builds confidence with maths ideas.

Supporting learners with SEND and learning differences

Hands-on construction helps many learners with SEND and learning differences understand maths ideas that can feel abstract on paper. Children can touch, turn and count the faces of a shape rather than imagining them. The bright pieces give clear visual cues, and joining edges together builds fine motor control. Building, folding and unfolding a net makes the link between 2D and 3D shape concrete and repeatable.

The Original Polydron Basic Set is available to order from The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences, for use in the classroom or at home.