How to teach puzzle solving
So solving a puzzle where we pick up shapes and put them in the matching spot is one thing, but how on earth do we teach how to solve a puzzle where we have to connect different pieces together?
Flip all the pieces over so you can see all the images
Seperate into two groups edge pieces and middle pieces
If possible seperate into smaller groups of like colours or images eg; all the pieces of the ocean, the green parts of land etc
Try and have the final image in a place where it can be referred back to
Talk through what you are doing and thinking as you solve the puzzle.
When introducing complex tasks like puzzles for the first time it is really important that we 'say' what we are thinking.
"I am looking for a piece that has some... on it".
"I think I need a piece with..."
Questions you can ask the child;
- Does that piece match?
- Does that fit in correctly?
- Can you find a piece that looks like?
- Can you find a piece that has this colour?
Speaking aloud our thinking is a great way for our little ones to understand how we are working on solving tricky problems. It is also a fantastic way to model to kids what they might need or like to say to themselves to help solve the problem.