Melissa & Doug Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

Melissa & Doug has an extensive line of educational toys, many of which I own because of their uniqueness and therapeutic value. However, these puzzles are very similar to other wooden puzzles that I own by other makers.

Each of the two puzzles pictured above has 12 large, thick pieces and a base/tray to build on. Twelve is the least amount of pieces for wooden puzzles that Melissa & Doug carry at this time. They also carry 24 and 48 piece wooden jigsaw puzzles. The pieces to these two puzzles have typical jigsaw puzzle shapes, with blanks and tabs. They are not shape puzzles. Because wooden puzzle pieces are thicker, they can be harder to push into place for some. The picture is paper glued onto wood and, like other similar puzzles, the picture can tear or wear over time, but they usually hold up pretty well. The picture is NOT printed on the puzzle board to match the pieces to, and there is no picture guide to go by, so a person will need to be able to match colors/patterns/images to assemble the puzzle.

The puzzle can be stored flat in the wooden tray/base it comes in. There is no box or lid.

If you want to read my ideas for teaching kids to assemble jigsaw puzzles, read my post Tips for Assembling Jigsaw Puzzles.

Try this:

• Take one or two pieces from the assembled puzzle and present to child that is just learning. Let him finish the puzzle. Then take out three or four pieces and let him complete the puzzle. Do this several times until all pieces are out and he can complete the puzzle.
• Take the pieces out of the form and mix them on the table. Make sure some are upside-down, some sideways. Can the individual still spot them in different orientations?
• Hand the individual one piece at a time, in an incorrect orientation. Ask him to turn the piece, in-hand, until it is oriented correctly and then place it in the puzzle tray.
• Put the animals together one at a time. For instance, ask the individual "Can you find the dog's tail? Put it here. Can you find the dog's head? Put it here." Can the individual find the pieces you call for mixed in with all the other pieces? Change the orientation of the pieces and play again.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, eye-hand coordination, spatial relations, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the wooden tray: 12 wooden pieces

Ages 3-6

If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.