Seasons Puzzle to Background Matching Activity

I really like the images for these seasons puzzles.  They are simple enough for younger children to do with a little help at first, and then on their own.  I take time to carefully point out the differences between puzzle pieces and how they match with the control chart.

First the child will complete the puzzle on top of the control, and as they become proficient I will let them know that they are advanced enough now to complete the puzzle with the control on the left side.  Sometimes more than one child will work together on a puzzle until they feel like they can do it alone, and then they take turns completing it.  The last step in advancement of these puzzles is for the child to build the puzzle with the control turned upside down until the puzzle is complete; checking their work at the end.

One of the wonderful things that happens with puzzles in a classroom is that children learn to ENJOY watching someone else complete work.  It can help to build a sense of community.  If a child has a particularly difficult time watching someone else work without touching - I will ask them to watch with their eyes only.  If that is still difficult, I will challenge them to see if the can watch the whole time with their hands behind their back, 'Just like I am showing'.  Children enjoy being challenged.  It gives them a chance to show to that they are the master of themselves.  Some children will need to be redirected to another activity until they are more capable of keeping hands to selves.

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Spring Puzzle with Control
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Summer Puzzle with Control
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Fall Puzzle with Control
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Winter Puzzle with Control
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