Your toddler is just as busy as a bee--always moving, exploring new sources of fun and learning all the time. If you can catch him for a moment of quiet time, why not have some fun with puzzles and help him develop visual and spatial skills at the same time? Putting together simple puzzles (the kind with knobs makes it easier) helps toddlers see and feel where things are in the space around them, an important part of toddler learning.
You can buy beautiful puzzles, but it's a lot of fun to make a puzzle of your toddler with your toddler. While you are creating your one-of-a-kind puzzle, be sure to talk about what you are doing at each step and listen to your child's responses.
What You Need
- A photo of your toddler enlarged to 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches (copies cost less than $.15 at most libraries and copy shops)
- Cardboard 8 1/2 by 11 inches (a cardboard insert from a new shirt or one side cut from an empty cereal box will work)
- Something to use for puzzle knobs--empty small thread spools, small cabinet knobs (optional)
- Glue or glue stick
- Scissors
Let's Go!
Work at a table where both you and your toddler can easily see the parts of your puzzle. Glue the photo to the cardboard and cut it into 4 or 5 large pieces. Glue a knob to each piece of the puzzle, if you like. After the glue is dry, help your toddler assemble the puzzle pieces to create a picture of him.