DIY: Home Made Toddler Puzzle

Many people go out every day and buy the most expensive toy for their children, or children they know, and many times, the child - especially a toddler - will like the packaging more than the toy. It is also true that home made toys are not only easy on the pocket book, but the children enjoy them. While it is easy to stick some rice in an empty water bottle, rattles can only be entertaining for so long. To work on a toddler's cognitive, or thinking and problem solving, skills, try making a home made puzzle.

Ages:
o 1-2 (can be modified to fit older children's needs)

Skills:
o Cognitive - matching colors and shapes
o Physical - picking up and putting in the correct place, eye/hand coordination

What You Need:
o A sheet of foam board
o A ruler or other straight edge
o Large wooden knobs (something large enough that the baby cannot choke)
o Clear packing tape or contact paper
o An Exacto knife
o Four different paint colors
o A small to medium sized paint brush
o A pen/pencil to draw lines
o Shapes to trace or draw freehand

What to Do:
1. Use a straight edge to divide the foam board into fourths, and then cut the pieces equally
2. Trace four simple shapes on the board (square, triangle, circle, rectangle, etc.). For older children, you can use less symmetrical shapes to provide more of a challenge.
3. Cut out the shapes with an Exacto knife (hint: it helps if you shave off a little extra board from the edges to make for a better fit)
4. Place the foam board with the shapes cut out of it on top of another fourth of the foam board
5. Use the top one as a stencil to trace the shapes onto the second piece of foam board
6. Paint the shapes different colors (hint: it makes it easier if you fill in an inch around the shape as well), and paint the coordinating cut out shapes the same color
7. Once the paint on the second board has dried, glue the top board to the bottom board with super glue. The holes for the shapes should be completely colored in.
8. Cover the cut out shapes as well as the board with clear packing tape or contact paper.
9. Use superglue to glue a wooden knob onto each puzzle piece
10. Let the glue dry, and then start playing!

To make this more challenging for older toddlers, you can make more intricate shapes, and even try making several smaller shapes.