Activity Instruction Page
Class Puzzles
- Activity Type: Hands-On Activity
- Theme: Family and My Home, Friendship & Kindness
- Learning Center: Physical Development & Health
Create puzzles using photos of children in the class or the class pet. Print on cardstock or laminate and then cut into puzzle pieces. Full page prints are great for this activity.
Materials & Direction
Materials List:
– Photos of children in the class or the class pet
– Cardstock or laminating sheets
– Scissors
– Laminator (optional)
Preschool Learning Objectives:
– Develop fine motor skills by manipulating puzzle pieces
– Enhance problem-solving skills as children figure out how to put the puzzle pieces together
– Promote social skills by recognizing and identifying classmates or the class pet in the photos
Preschool Teacher Instructions:
1. Select photos of each child in the class or the class pet. Make sure the photos are clear and show the subject’s face well.
2. Print the photos on cardstock or laminating sheets. If using regular paper, consider laminating the sheets for durability.
3. Cut out the photos into puzzle pieces. You can make the puzzles as simple or as complex as you like, depending on the age and skill level of your students.
4. Make sure to mix up the puzzle pieces before handing them out to the children.
5. Encourage the children to work together to put the puzzles together. Provide guidance and support as needed.
6. Optional: Create a larger full-page print of the puzzle for group activities or for children who may need extra assistance.
7. After assembling the puzzles, have the children identify the people or pet in the photos. This can lead to discussions about friendship, community, and caring for animals.
Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– For children who may struggle with the puzzles, consider creating simpler puzzles with fewer pieces or using larger photos for easier identification.
– To challenge children who are more advanced, create more complex puzzles with smaller pieces or mix and match different photos to create a fun and challenging puzzle.
Assessment Suggestions:
– Observe how the children interact and collaborate while working on the puzzles. Note any teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills they demonstrate.
– Assess each child’s ability to identify their classmates or the class pet in the photos. This can be done through verbal recognition or by asking the children to point to the correct puzzle piece.
