FM.H.74 COMPLETES A THREE-PIECE INTERLOCKING PUZZLE

We use the term ‘interlocking puzzle’ to describe a puzzle which has adjoining pieces set into a board or tray. When all the pieces are removed, the edges of the board provide an outline of the picture to be made. Usually, each piece of the puzzle represents a distinct part of the picture, and this is the kind of puzzle to look for when you begin teaching. For instance, the puzzle might show a figure, such as a child or a Teddy Bear. One piece represents the head, another the body and so on. Or the puzzle might show a train, and have a piece for each wheel, one for the driver’s cabin and others for the carriages.

This kind of puzzle gives the child clear clues about where each piece should go, unlike a jigsaw puzzle where an entire picture is cut into abstract shapes at random.

Very few interlocking puzzles have just 3 pieces, but don’t worry – you can use one with about 6 pieces, removing only 3 pieces at a time.

Your child will need a variety of such puzzles. They are available from educational toy shops, and your toy library or local preschool may be able to help you.

How to Assess

Materials: A three-piece puzzle, or a larger puzzle with 3 adjoining pieces removed. See the notes above for more information about puzzles.

Method: Place the puzzle in front of your child, with the pieces on your child’s preferred hand side. Say ‘Put the pieces in’. Repeat with another three-piece puzzle, or with a different 3 pieces removed.

Score plus if your child puts all the pieces in the puzzle, in both tries, without physical or verbal help.

How to Teach

It is essential to have a variety of puzzles – not necessarily all at once. If you buy six-piece puzzles, you will be able to use them for some time. But borrowing is the best way, if this is possible for you. Aim to use at least 3 puzzles.

If you are using a six-piece puzzle, you can start by removing 3 pieces that do not adjoin. This will be much the same as working on a one-piece puzzle with 3 pieces removed. Once your child has mastered this step, you can take out three pieces that do adjoin.

Puzzles have the advantage that the more pieces you put in, the easier they get. It is the first piece which provides the greatest challenge. Give several tries in each teaching session, so that your child has plenty of practice at putting this first piece in.

Use consistent verbal cues when teaching puzzle skills. The most useful ones are ‘Turn it around’ and ‘Try another way’.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

To help your child’s visual sense of how things fit together, you could cut some magazine pictures in half and help him work out how to put them together again.

Remembering and Extending

This skill will be directly extended by FM.H.100 (completing a six-piece puzzle.) You can move towards this goal gradually, by taking out 4 pieces and then 5.