My First DIY Puzzles

Step by step

1. 1Print out pictures your child loves (their favorite animal, their own photo), two copies of each if you can.
2. 2Start by cutting one picture into 2 pieces with a clean, straight cut.
3. 3Set out the mixed-up pieces, with the intact copy right beside them as a guide at first.
4. 4Let them put it together without guiding their hands; help with words only ("Where is the top of the giraffe?").
5. 5Keep praise simple: seeing the picture come together is reward enough.
6. 6Level up: try 3 then 4 to 6 pieces, diagonal cuts, no guide picture, or mixing two puzzles together to sort out.

What it builds

Piecing a cut picture back together requires holding the whole image in mind while turning the pieces around in their hands. By cutting the pictures yourself, you dial in the difficulty just right for them, step by step, from 2 to 6 pieces.