Lolly Stick Animal Puzzles
What you need
- ten or so lolly sticks
- masking tape
- felt tips
How to do it
- Lay three lolly sticks side by side and tape across the back to hold them still.
- Draw a big simple animal across all three: a cat, a fish or a snail.
- Peel the tape off and do the same for two or three more animals.
- Mix the sticks up and help them put one animal back together.
- Let them try the next one, then mix them all up together.
Why it matters
A puzzle you made in five minutes, with animals they chose, is one they will want to finish.
What they're learning
- Looking closely
- Matching the lines on one stick to the next takes careful looking.
- Sticking with it
- Getting a whole animal back together is a puzzle with a clear finish.
- Naming animals
- Each animal gives you a name and a noise to say.
What to look for
Watch how they try the sticks. Turning one round to see if it fits better is good puzzle thinking.
A tip
Wooden lolly sticks can split, so check each one is smooth before you draw on it.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: draw each animal across just two sticks
Harder: mix every animal together and ask them to find all the cat sticks first
More like this
Browse
Quiet & calm activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with masking tape