Learn how to make wood block puzzles with this fun painting activity. Engage kids math and creative skills with STEAM in this hands-on, learning-through-play.
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Wood blocks are a clean slate, just waiting for kids to explore and create. The possibilities for imaginative play are endless.
In this activity, kids learn how to make wood block puzzles, starting with painting colorful designs on small blocks of wood. The designs are linked from one block to the next. When the blocks are pushed together, they match up to make a puzzle.
We have homemade wood blocks in the toy box for everyday play. We were able to use some of the blocks for this activity. You can also buy wooden blocks online for this project.
Kids benefit in many ways from child-led activities like playing with wood blocks. Painting a few blocks for a puzzle activity like this one supports creativity and math skills, along with decision making and discovery.
Wood puzzles activity
Wooden blocks are a great option for your child: they are easy to handle and store; they come without instructions or batteries; they last a long, long time.
If you have some small pieces of 2 x 4 left over from a home renovation project, simply sand the wood smooth to remove possible splinters before beginning to paint.
Materials list
- wood blocks in a variety of sizes and shapes
- washable kids’ paint in a variety of colors
Instructions
1. Choose two or more pieces of wood of similar size and shape.
Keep the wood pieces lined up against each other as you paint in order for the pattern to continue from one to the other. Make a puzzle with two or three blocks or more.
Kids may choose to paint the wood block a solid color and allow that paint to dry before painting a design.
2. When the paint is dry, place all the blocks in a box or basket. Remove the blocks and make the puzzle together.
How to play with painted wood blocks
Wood blocks are perfect for guided play as well as independent play.
Here are a few suggestions for small group time or teacher-led play with preschoolers.
1. Place several block puzzles in a box. Each child chooses a block from the box. All participants then move through the group until each one has found a block needed to complete a picture.
2. Turn the blocks upside down on a table to hide the design. Flip one block over to reveal a piece of a puzzle. Each child flips a block in turn, looking to see if a piece has been revealed that will complete a puzzle. Blocks remain with the design turned up until all the blocks are matched.
3. Create abstract designs and silly pictures by putting two or more blocks together that do not make a puzzle!
Natural materials like small wooden blocks are fun to use for kids crafts and activities. See what kids create from the clean slate offered by wood blocks!
Hands-on science and math activities for early learners!