P is for puzzle piece printing

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we have been exploring DIY puzzles in our preschool classroom. This is a simple painting activity we did as part of our puzzle play …

The children were each given a white paper puzzle to make puzzle prints on. I hot glued puzzle pieces onto the ends and onto the sides of a wooden shapes (wooden shapes are from the dollar store) for the children to make puzzle piece prints…

There are many things I might choose to do differently the next time I try this starting with finding larger puzzle piece shapes to stamp with or using ink pads instead of paint.  I would have liked the shapes of the puzzle pieces to be more clear as the children printed. I am always learning something new with each process we try…

But as much as I would have liked a different result, the process would have still been pretty much the same and I have to remind myself that the process is what really matters to the children…

After the children completed their puzzle piece prints, they added their own name onto their paper. At this point in the school year, I rarely write the children’s names on their artwork. I do at times but for the most part, I remind the children to go back and add their own names…

Some children chose to take their time with this process and others rushed through the process to go and try other things we had out in the classroom…

Another activity we had out for the children to explore was a little puzzle piece fine motor play…

I used this same puzzle for lots of different activities. This was a puzzle that I had probably gotten for Christmas some time ago. I found it in my closet and decided since I wasn’t going to put it together, I might as well put it to good use in my classroom…

The children used the chopsticks to transfer the puzzle pieces from one box to another…

Some of the children preferred transferring the puzzle pieces from one box to another using their hands. Holding all those puzzle pieces is actually a nice sensory experience as well…

With our new discoveries in DIY puzzle play, the children have developed a new interest in our classroom puzzles as well. These puzzle have been out on a shelf all school year and have rarely been used but this week the children have been asking me, “Where are the puzzles at?”

 

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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