As you may know especially if you have a preschooler, frustration is learning’s enemy. Challenging is positive but when you cross into frustration with many kids the activity is all but lost. A few simple adjustments can make all the difference, like adding magnets to your puzzle, so pieces stay right where you put them. I was sent a box of crafty supplies from Craftprojectideas.com these magnetic sheets were the first thing to catch my eye. I immediately knew what I was going to do with them. Using a book cover is a fun activity for an author’s studies
- Gather your materials. I decided to make the puzzle out of a book that recently got ravaged by a baby girl who we will not name. We luckily had two copies so I decided to use it for this, you could also use a print out of a picture, cereal box etc… you will also need some magnetic sheets and scissors. Also a cookie sheet to complete the puzzle.
- Start by cutting your cover or picture to size .
- Now it’s time for peeling and sticking the magnet sheets on.
- Cut the pieces, I did some huge so it’s not too tricky and a few smaller for a challenge. I flipped the pieces over to better show the shapes.
- Invite your kids to read the book.
- Show them the puzzle. My son was shocked I’d turned out favorite book into a puzzle.
- He loved that even if the pieces didn’t all connect the magnets kept them where he wanted them.
- Since they were stuck to the tray even if a certain book ripping baby came by to grab at it, the puzzle was unscathed.
- Huge success on many levels, and totally easy to make.
David Shannon Books
Alice The Fairy is such a sweet book about a fairy who is still learning the ropes. I love the spells she casts and kids relate to her type of magic, I promise! I love that this book is about a fairy but not the Disney idea that we are so often bombarded with. It’s fresh, fun and I can’t wait for my daughter to enjoy doing more than using it as a teether because I know she will love it.
Duck on a Bike tickles my funny bone. I love this book, the message is awesome too. Just because it’s never been done before doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try! Also how cute is a duck riding a bike? The illustrations are amazing and your child will love the farm animals.
No, David! is probably the author’s best-known book, in it, we follow the misadventures of little David and his eventual disciplining and hug from his mom! This book is a wonderful gateway into talking about rules with a class, I have successfully used it as a reminder about rules and why we have them. Kids love watching other kids do naughty things, so this book is always a hit with toddlers on up.
Disclosure: As stated above I was sent the magnetic sheets free of charge to do with what I wished from Craftprojectideas.com , I have not been paid for this post.
Toddler Approved says
Love this. This is always our problem with puzzle projects. I need to go buy some of these magnetic sheets. I always try to use velcro and it still just doesn’t sit right. This looks like it works great. Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!
Just shared this on our Facebook page.
beansprouts says
thank you for inspiring me to do more with magnets! and a cookie sheet is just a marvelous way to get that magnetic base.
Marnie @ Carrots are Orange says
Awesome!!! I’m all over this one! thanks again allie!
Julie says
thanks so much for publishing this and all your other amazing stuff. I’m a homeschool mom of 3, with one on the way. This is the first year of preschool for my youngest and as I was a High School teacher before this for 13 years I was in desperate need of some preschool help. My daughter and I both love all your activities and my older two beg to do them with us. Keep them coming!
admin says
Thank you so much!
Alana says
What a great idea. Pieces moving is often a source of frustration in our home.
laura says
A great idea to use for those book jackets that I never know what to do with.
Shannon says
This is a great idea. Especially since the biggest issue I’ve found with homemade puzzles is that they don’t stay together very well. Thanks.
Rebekah @ The Golden Gleam says
Great idea for making use of a torn book!! Great post post to link up at the Best of 2011 Blog Party. Happy New Year!
Mama Pea Pod says
Ooh, what a great idea! Love this and pinning immediately! Thanks for linking it up to the 2011 Best Ideas for Kids blog hop!
Katherine says
This is a wonderful idea! I wish I had thought of this when I was still teaching and constantly had ratty books lying around. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Kate says
Creative DIY project. It is great to teach your kids do it.