FM.H.100 COMPLETES A SIX-PIECE PUZZLE(UNSEEN)

This is an extension of FM.H.74 (completing a three-piece puzzle). Many children benefit from working on four and then five-piece puzzles in between these two activities.

Six-piece puzzles vary greatly in their degree of difficulty. They range from those which show the silhouette of a figure when all the pieces are removed, to those that show a large space which gives few clues as to what goes where. Start with the easier ones, moving gradually to those that give fewer clues. Choose only puzzles in which the shapes are set into the board, so that the outer edges are defined.

If you are planning to buy or borrow some new puzzles at this stage, you could include some eight-piece puzzles, as you will need these for the next item in this sequence. You can leave 2 pieces in for now.

How to Assess

Use a puzzle that is new to your child when you assess. Assess as for FM.H.74, using a six-piece puzzle that gives clear clues as to where the pieces should go (for example a puzzle showing a figure).

How to Teach

All the points made in FM.H.74 apply here, except that you can expect to complete fewer puzzles in each session.

Your child needs to learn that some pieces will be easier to use as the starting pieces than others. If he cannot find a place to put a piece, encourage him to try another piece and come back later to the one causing difficulty. Remember to use a puzzle that you have not used for teaching when assessing again.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

As for FM.H.74.

Remembering and Extending

This skill is extended by the next skill in this sequence, FM.H.101. Maintain at this level with practice if you do not want to go straight on.

Some six-piece puzzles are quite difficult and will present your child with a challenge for some time to come. Beguided by how difficult you find each puzzle!