FM.H.102 COMPLETES A FOUR-PIECE JIGSAW PUZZLE

In a jigsaw puzzle, the entire picture is cut up into small pieces – unlike an interlocking puzzle (as we define it in FM.H.74), where the pieces are set into a board or tray.

Hence jigsaw puzzles provide fewer contextual clues as to what goes where. As you will know, if you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles yourself, the most successful procedure is trial-and-error.

Four-piece jigsaw puzzles are very hard to find, but you can use larger puzzles, putting together the first few pieces yourself. Choose puzzles with large wooden pieces, rather than small cardboard ones.

Perhaps you know a handyperson who would enjoy making some puzzles for you.

How to Assess

Materials: A jigsaw puzzle with large pieces.

Method: Show your child the completed jigsaw puzzle, then divide it into pieces. Put the puzzle together, or help your child to do so, until 4 adjoining pieces remain (for example 4 pieces from the top right corner). Ask your child to complete the jigsaw.

Score plus if your child puts all 4 pieces together without your assistance.

How to Teach

Talk to your child about the picture before you start. Ask questions such as ‘What’s up the top?’

Teach him to identify corner pieces and then edge pieces.

Work through each piece in turn, talking about its shape and its place in the picture, or identify something that is needed to complete the jigsaw (‘We need the chimney and a bit of roof’) and let your child find the relevant piece.

Give lots of practice, with a range of puzzles.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Giant floor puzzles are fun for a change.

Help your child to make his own jigsaw puzzles, by pasting a large picture onto some heavy cardboard and cutting it up with scissors. This is lots of fun with photographs of familiar people.

Old wallpaper samples with strong patterns can make interesting jigsaws too.

Remembering and Extending

Gradually increase the number of pieces that you give your child to work with. You can make the pieces smaller too.