Last year Greyson got a package of those cardboard-y, recycled material puzzles. You know what I mean? The ones that come in big packages for about a buck? They are easy to tear, and are not suitable for younger kids, because the only way of knowing where the pieces go is by the faint indentation on the puzzle board? These.
Anyway, as I started to say, we have had these for over a year now, just sitting on a shelf still wrapped up. So, I decided to “edit” the puzzles a little bit to make them something Greyson can play with now (being just under 2.5 years). PLUS, this gives an additional learning bonus! win-win
Here is what you’ll need:
Puzzles, and I used an assortment of fine-tipped sharpie markers. But a pen would be just fine too.
I disassembled the puzzles, and took the sharpies and traced the indented line of the puzzle board, so that the areas would be more defined for him.
Then- in each of the areas I wrote a letter. (I had to pick 5, since there are only 5 spots), and on the back of the correct puzzle piece I wrote the same letter.
So now, he matches up the letters to find where the puzzles pieces belong. To encourage his speech, I act overly excited when he says the letters, and gets a correct match. It is also a celebration when he shouts out the image that is revealed when he gets to flip the puzzle piece over.
For older kids, you can do sight words, or any type of sequencing to make it more challenging for them.
I had three puzzles so I did one with letters, one with numbers, and one with shapes.
These are very easy to create, Greyson enjoys it, and it was totally free! But if you do not have the puzzles, it would still be about a buck, since you can get these packages at the dollar store.
Enjoy! I’d love to hear if you make these for your little ones, and if they enjoy them!
What an awesome idea! My son is just at the point of starting jigsaw puzzles and I think this is the perfect way to transition him and give him a little more help. I hope you don’t mind but I pinned to my Tot School Pinterest board.
Thank you so much! I am thrilled that you pinned it. 🙂 Greyson is really loving the three puzzles that I made,so I went and bought three more. I am even mixing all of the puzzle pieces into one large pile and he is sorting them to match the pieces with the puzzle board.
wow, what a great idea! I’m always looking for simple crafts and recycling options and this is sure one of them. Thanks for sharing.
Found you via Clippie Dips linky party.