Butterflies, Bugs and Blocks Mini Puzzles

Print this Butterfly, Bugs and Blocks freebie to practice fine motor, visual motor, visual closure and visual discrimination skills.  You can download the freebie at Your Therapy Source Inc.

Need more building block ideas?  Check out the freebies and download with Building Block Patterns and Games.

HUGE Cut and Paste Puzzle Freebie

This is a huge 18 page FREE packet with two levels of cut and paste puzzles.  You can use the easier version where the picture is present to match up the puzzles pieces or use the more difficult version where the picture is not present.  Download the Cut and Paste Puzzle freebie here http://yourtherapysource.com/freecutpuzzles.html

Check out Puzzles on Paper for a twist on puzzle fun!  This download is a set of 40+ puzzles on paper that challenge visual spatial and visual closure skills.  There are animal puzzles ranging from 4 to 12 piece puzzles to solve and 12 holiday themed puzzles (12 easy and 12 harder) for throughout the year.  Find out more and download a free puzzle on paper here http://yourtherapysource.com/puzzlepaper.html

10 Way to Make Your Own Puzzles

Here are some simple ways to make all different types of puzzles using objects from around your house or classroom:

1.  Big Shape and Letter Puzzles at http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2014/05/05/big-shape-and-letter-puzzles/

2.  Vertical Puzzles at http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2014/03/19/vertical-puzzles/

3.  Ping-Pong Puzzles at http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2013/11/22/ping-pong-puzzles/



4.  Complete the Name Puzzle at http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2013/10/17/complete-the-name-puzzles/  You could use the child's name or any spelling or vocabulary word.



 

5.  Puzzles on Paper to print and complete at http://www.yourtherapysource.com/puzzlepaperfree.html 



 

6.  Twisted Puzzle at  http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2012/02/06/twist-literally-on-puzzles-part-2/



7.  Complete the Picture puzzle at http://yourtherapysource.com/videocompletethepicture.html



 

8.  Kitchen Puzzle at  http://growingplay.blogspot.com/2012/06/kitchen-puzzle.html

9.  Outdoor Complete the Puzzle at http://growingplay.blogspot.com/2012/06/outdoor-puzzle-race.html



 

10.  Match the Shape Puzzle at http://yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2013/08/07/diy-fine-motor-and-visual-perceptual-toy/



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Twist (literally) on Puzzles Part #2

 I came across another idea on Pinterest about changing up puzzles.  Basically, using any picture or text that you would like, you can create a twisting puzzle.  For this example I printed out a picture on heavy duty cardstock that would wrap around this container with about an inch of overlap.  Cut the paper into strips.  I glued the bottom strip directly to the container so that it would not move.  Try and use a metal container (recycled can) so that is does not bend when doing the puzzle.

 Pictured below is all the strips already on the container.  I used tape to secure each strip.  You want them to be tight so they don't slip but not so tight that they do not rotate.  That is why the tape came in handy because I had to reposition it to get it just right.

 Now mix up the puzzle pieces.

 Give it to the child to twist back into place matching up the bottom strip. 

 Puzzle solved!

If it is too difficult for the child to twist the pieces of the puzzle you can add little paper tabs to each piece.  You may want to add these anyway for variety of solving the puzzle.

Instead of using pictures, you could put spelling or sight words on it.  It does make a nice fidget to use while learning.  Have fun!

This activity encourages:

• visual perceptual skills
• fine motor skills
• opening of the web space
• bilateral coordination
• grading of movement  

Visit YourTherapySource.com for more fine motor and visual perceptual activities.