Janod 12 Fairy Tales Blocks

 

Fairy Tale Blocks

I have used block puzzles for years as a spatial and 2-handed manipulation activity. With each block having six sides, and each side going to a different scene, there is a lot of turning and orienting going on.

This set has 12 blocks, but you can also get sets with four, six, or nine blocks. These types of puzzles can be confusing to kids, with each block being a part of six different scenes, so I typically start with the smaller sets with simple images and work my way up.

These are hollow, lightweight and measure 2" square. They are made of cardboard and the images are paper, but I have not had any trouble with the paper lifting or coming off. The colors are bright and these are the six complete scenes.

When I buy these types of blocks I usually look for sets that include large pictures of each finished puzzle so the kids can refer to the picture while building. This box shows all six puzzles on the back but the images are quite small. I actually built the puzzles, took pictures, enlarged and printed them on a color printer. It just depends on who will be working the puzzle and how much support they need.

Try this:

• Place the 12 blocks mixed, but with the correct side up, on the table. Allow the individual to assemble the puzzle to see what is expected before turning pieces to incorrect sides.
• Encourage the individual to hold the block in two hands while turning and looking for what they want instead of just flipping it on the table top.
• Keep the finished picture of the image nearby for beginners to consult as they build.
• Build a scene as the individual watches, talking through the process as you go. Say things like I can see this piece goes on the bottom because there is grass, or this piece must go on the top because there is sky above it.
• Put the puzzle together one row or column at a time.
• Flip all the pieces so that you have a complete building showing. Then give the individual one piece at a time, not in any particular order, and ask them to guess in which of the 12 positions it will go. Adjust as necessary as other pieces are added.
• Build the puzzle vertically.
• Cue the person what to look for if they are confused while they look over the six sides of the cube. I find that emphasizing background color can be helpful.
  
• Turn all the blocks to the correct side for the puzzle you are assembling first and then assemble the puzzle, instead of going back and forth between the two tasks, which might get confusing.
• Work on visual discrimination, spatial relations, visual closure, manual dexterity, coordinated use of two hands, in-hand manipulation, creative play, process skills, executive functioning skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 12 blocks