Ravensburger Puzzle Ball

Ravensburger Puzzle Ball - Good for beginners

Even kids who resist jigsaw puzzles have liked this Ravensburger Puzzle Ball. Maybe it's because of the unique shape or maybe because of the interest in the dome that you use to build the puzzle on. It's a good place to start if you want to work on puzzle balls because of the dome and the fact that there are only 24 pieces total.

Build one half at a time on the plastic dome, then snap the two halves together to make a sturdy, ball shaped puzzle. The very bottom row that is showing in the picture is one piece. The plastic pieces are each slightly curved so that they fit fairly snug onto the dome. The pieces are snug enough that after you build on the dome you could try it without the dome. This will take more mature hand skills as you will have to hold the puzzle in one hand while snapping the pieces carefully, grading the force, with the other hand. 

These puzzles are available in different pictures and with different numbers of pieces. Ravensburger, who makes this puzzle, is also my favorite brand for regular jigsaw puzzles. They have a little thicker pieces that make them a little easier to catch for those who need a little help with the precision that jigsaw puzzles require. To read more about jigsaw puzzles and get tips on how to teach kids to work jigsaw puzzles if they are having difficulty, check out my posts listed below:

Tips for Assembling Jigsaw Puzzles

Junior Princess Ball Puzzle - 96 pieces

Family Style Jigsaw Puzzles - 3 different sized pieces so everyone can help!

Progressive Puzzles - 9 board puzzles for beginners - 4 to 9 pieces each

Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles - A good place to start

Tumble Jumble Pond Life Puzzle - A 3D puzzle with rectangular pieces printed on all sides

Try this:

• Play I SPY with the completed puzzle. Instruct the child to hold the ball in two hands while turning and looking.
• Spin the completed ball on the table top with one hand.
• Orient a piece for placement by turning it in-hand.
• Separate the pieces so that you are only looking over pieces for one half of the ball at a time if looking over all the pieces at once is too much. Or assemble the puzzle a ring at a time and place just two or three to choose from for beginners.
• Work on spatial relations, visual closure, visual discrimination, figure ground, visual scanning, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, coordinated use of both hands, separation of sides of hand, fine motor precision, sequencing, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 1 plastic dome to build on, 24 plastic pieces
 
If you are interested in purchasing one of these puzzles or just want more information, click on an image below.