Paper Puzzle Activity
Teach your kid the real "name game."
Submitted by
Kayla Chong
Kayla Chong
Has your kid already mastered his ABCs? It's time to put his knowledge to the test: Make a personalized puzzle and find out if junior can spell out his own name. Of course, not all games are created equal: Bob, for example, is going to have a much easier go of it than Phinnaeus. (Got that, Julia Roberts?)
- Two sheets of paper:You can use plain white printer paper or jazz things up with colored construction or patterned scrapbook paper.
- Thin piece of cardboard:The back of a cereal box works well.
- Markers
- Magazine and scissors (optional):For a fun twist, cut out the letters of your child's name rather than write them.
- Glue stick or rubber cement
- Shoebox or manila envelope:To store your puzzle
Have your child write her name in marker on a piece of paper. Be sure to make the letters big so that they cover the entire sheet. (This is a great time for you to pass on your mad middle school graffiti skills). If you go the magazine-cutting route, have your child spell out her name with title letters since they tend to be bigger and more colorful than plain old text. Glue them onto a sheet of paper.
Glue a blank piece of paper on top of your cardboard cereal box so Tony the Tiger doesn't show through onto your puzzle. (Even though we're sure it's going to turn out "grrrrrrreat!")
Glue the paper with your child's name on it to your cardboard box.
Let it dry.
If possible, make a photocopy of the image before you chop it up. Glue this to the box or manila folder that will store your puzzle. So schmancy, just like a store-bought one!
Work with your child to cut his name into pieces. You can cut it into squares or more traditional puzzle shapes. Four or five pieces should do it.
Time to play! Lay the puzzle pieces on the floor or coffee table and invite your child to piece it together. She'll have fun and learn how to spell her name.
Put all the pieces into the box or envelope for safekeeping. (We love when cleaning up is part of the activity.)
- You can also make a puzzle out of a photograph. Cut up a picture of your child, your family or your pet and have your little one piece it back together. A larger print—5x7 or 8x10—works best.
Submit!
