Learning Resources Colours And Shapes Sensory Pad Review

Reviewed by New_Mama

I, like many parents, find that trying to keep a young child entertained can be tricky. I am therefore always on the look out for interactive new toys and activities. Any with an educational or skill development angle is always a plus so my child can learn and develop through play. Having used a sensory water mat for my son when he was younger, I was interested to try this ‘Colours and Shapes Sensory Pad’ by Learning Resources.

The parcel arrived in plain packaging with no excess waste. The item itself is packaged in a colourful cardboard box, again no unnecessary plastic in sight. The bright and bold colourful design on the front, has clear images of the pad itself as well as a variety of key points about the toy. I would say the packaging appeals to both parents and children. The box contains the plastic mat itself, a range of colourful activity cards, the brightly coloured plastic geometric shapes (6 each of a circle, square, triangle, and rectangle, in red, yellow, green, blue, purple and orange) and an activity guide. No tricky to access elements, and the item can be used straight away (once filled with water or a liquid of your choice). It’s simple to fill and the chosen activity card can be added in the pocket at the back, keeping it dry. I haven’t yet tried all the possible liquid options such as shaving foam or hair gel and I am a little unsure how easy these would be to clean and then refill however it would be worth giving it a go to allow your child to experience the feel of different thicknesses of liquid effecting how easily the pieces move. There are then a range of 8 activity cards, all of which are double sided so with 16 different activities; this should certainly keep a child entertained or provide a seemingly new activity each time it is brought out. Aimed at 3 plus, the activities themselves vary a lot. Some are simple colour sorting or moving the pieces to follow different lines. Others are far more complex, with challenges on finding answers to a pattern and maths activities as examples. Whilst I am sure younger children would find joy and entertainment in some of the simpler tasks, the box clearly warns the pieces are possible choking hazards and therefore must be used with caution with any younger siblings (once set up the pieces are within the pad itself, so if supervised I think it would be ok).

The pad itself measures 35cm in length by 25.5cm in width and is large enough for small hands, yet small enough to easily be transported. Ideal to be used at home at the table, I have certainly already considered bringing it out with us when eating out!

I liked how within the pack itself, many activities were included, without the need to buy any add ons, making this a great gift for your own or other’s children. I predict this will remain something that my child enjoys for many years to come. Easy to wipe clean and I’m sure very durable, this toy will certainly provide hours of sensory play whilst developing hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. I will also be checking out their website to see what other activities they have.

Rating: I would give this product a rating of 4 out of 5.

RRP: £18.00

This product can be purchased from Learning Resources here.