Materials
none
Instructions
1. Try this game for transitions when you have some extra time to fill between
group time and another activity.
2. Talk to the children about the importance of working together and
cooperating.
3. Introduce the floor puzzle. Look at the picture of the puzzle, what colors are
together, and the shape of the puzzle.
4. Give each child a piece. Ask each child to study his piece and think about
where it might go. For example, does the puzzle piece have a flat side? Then
it may go on the outside edge of the puzzle. Encourage the children to
compare with each other and talk about their piece
5. Start by putting down two or more pieces, seeing if they match, and talking
again abut the color, shape, and so on.
6. Look at the box picture. Ask, "Where do you think this piece fits?" Call for
certain pieces. "Who has a piece with letters on it?" Invite that child to try his
piece. After starting, sit back and let the children interact and do the puzzle,
commenting and helping when needed to keep the activity going. "You
knew the flat side was for the outside part." "Turn it around and try again."
"You worked hard to find the right spot!"
Author's Note: I find more children choose puzzles after working them
cooperatively (Vygotsky's theory on Zone of Proximal Development is at
work here!). This activity also fills some time on a slow or rainy day.
