Shapes Bean Bags

Shapes Bean Bags brings shape recognition into hands-on sorting, matching and movement games. This pack contains 12 bean bags across four shapes and four colours, with shape names stitched onto the bags. The repeated shapes let children find matches and make groups; the pack does not contain 12 different shapes. Children can look at an outline, feel its edges and connect the object with its written name.

The bean-bag format gives early maths a physical element. Instead of only pointing to a picture, children can pick up a shape, pass it to a partner or place it with other matching bags. Adults can introduce words as the shape is handled and ask children to explain the sorting rule they have chosen. Changing from a shape rule to a colour rule creates a new challenge using the same set.

For a family, Shapes Bean Bags can become a short matching game on the floor or a gentle pass-and-name activity. In a nursery, school or EYFS setting, the 12-piece quantity provides several objects for a small group to compare. A teacher can demonstrate with one bag while children look for a matching example, or invite the group to organise the whole collection and explain the result.

The stitched names offer a written reference alongside the physical shapes. Younger children can focus on the outline and spoken word, while those ready to explore print can notice the label and compare it with another bag. Counting how many bags belong in each group introduces early number work without changing the product into a separate number-learning set.

The square bean bag measures approximately 130 × 130 mm; dimensions vary with the different shapes. Keep movement activities appropriate to the children and the space available. A gentle pass, controlled toss towards a separate target or collection-and-sort game can combine handling practice with shape language. The set provides the resources for those activities, while the adult chooses the level of challenge and supports children as they describe, compare and try again.

Recognise Shapes by Looking and Handling

Begin with a small selection and invite children to describe what they notice. They can turn a bag in their hands, follow its outline and compare it with another. Introduce the shape name alongside those observations, using the stitched word as a reference.

When appropriate, discuss edges and corners in relation to the shape being handled. Let children point to the feature they mean. This connects mathematical language with something they can see and touch, rather than relying on memorising a label alone.

Sort by Shape, Then by Colour

Ask children to put matching shapes together. Once the groups are formed, count the bags in each and talk about how the collection has been organised. A child can explain the rule to a partner and check whether another bag belongs in that group.

Next, change the rule to colour. The objects stay the same but their groupings may change, creating an opportunity to discuss classification. Avoid promising a particular number of each colour-and-shape combination; the pack is specified as 12 bags across four shapes and four colours.

Pass and Name

Sit or stand at an appropriate distance and pass a chosen bag to a partner. The receiver can name the shape, describe one feature or identify its colour before returning it. Begin with passing by hand and use gentle tossing only where appropriate.

In a small group, agree a turn-taking order so that everyone knows when to receive the bag. This gives children a reason to look towards a partner, coordinate their hands and use the relevant vocabulary during a shared activity.

Create a Collection Challenge

Place a few bags within the agreed play area and ask a child to collect those matching a spoken rule. They might find a particular shape or gather a colour group. Check the collection together and invite the child to explain their choices.

For a target activity, use an appropriate separate hoop or floor marker. A gentle toss can be followed by naming the shape or counting the bags that reached the target. Targets and additional activity equipment are not included.

Connect Objects, Words and Counts

The stitched shape names can support a conversation about the written word. Compare labels on matching bags, say the shape name aloud and notice that the same name belongs to the same shape even when the colour differs.

Counting remains grounded in the physical collection. Children can move each bag as they count it, compare two groups or work out how many are left to put away. These are opportunities to practise early maths through the included shape resources, rather than a promise of a particular learning outcome.

Use the Set in a Classroom or at Home

Choose a small number of bags for an introductory activity and bring in more as needed. At home, a short matching game can be repeated with a different rule. In an educational setting, demonstrate the activity and let children work in pairs or a supervised small group.

Count all 12 bags when tidying and inspect their seams and surfaces. Keeping the set together makes the next matching or classification activity easier to prepare.

Why Choose Shapes Bean Bags?

A 12-piece set with repeated shapes is useful for genuine matching and grouping activities. The physical outlines, contrasting colours and stitched names offer several ways to explore the same concept, while the bean-bag format also allows controlled movement games.

Perfect For...

• Early shape recognition.
• Nursery, EYFS and classroom maths activities.
• Home matching and sorting games.
• Small-group passing and naming activities.
• Counting and comparing groups of objects.

Product Features

• Pack of 12 shape bean bags.
• Four shapes and four colours across the set.
• Stitched shape names.
• Physical outlines for visual and tactile comparison.
• Suitable for sorting, matching, passing and controlled target activities.

Specifications

• Product: Shapes Bean Bags.
• Quantity: 12 bean bags.
• Shape variety: four shapes, with repeats.
• Colour variety: four colours.
• Square bean bag: approximately 130 × 130 mm.
• Other dimensions: vary by shape.
• Manufacturer reference: Edx Education 72237.
• Additional targets and activity props: not included.
• Age and cleaning: follow packaging guidance.

Care and Supervision

Supervise activities and use gentle, controlled movements with clear space between participants. Do not throw towards faces. Check seams and fabric regularly and remove damaged bags from use. Follow the supplied age and cleaning guidance, and do not open the bean bags or allow access to their filling.