Shape puzzles are fun and easy to make. Cut strips of poster board or craft foam to exact dimensions. Kids then try to create different shapes using all eight puzzle pieces. Children can then create their own shapes and patterns with the provided parts. Make a Travel Game Book and add this puzzle to the take-along activities.
Children can use their math skills, adding up the lengths of the different strips and dividing the number into the different configurations. Younger children can simply manipulate the puzzle pieces as they try to work the pieces into shape. Work on other math skills with Fun Math Games and Math Magic that give kids practice in mathematics while participating in a variety of fun activities.
Make a Shape Puzzle Kids' Craft
Get out a pencil and ruler to measure and mark the dimensions of these eight puzzle pieces. The eight rectangles should be measured exactly, so kids can work on this skill while creating this puzzle. Poster board is an ideal material for a puzzle made in the classroom. Families may want to use craft foam for a longer lasting puzzle that will hold up to use by multiple children.
Poster board puzzle pieces can be colored with marker or crayon. Pieces cut from craft foam can be the same color or different colors. Pieces that are the same color may be easier for children to work with.
Cut strips that measure the following measurements:
- 8” x 2”
- 7” x 2”
- 6” x 2”
- 5” x 2”
- 4” x 2”
- 3” x 2”
- 2” x 2”
- 1” x 1”
Geometry Math Puzzles
Create the following shapes and configurations using all eight strips in each of the puzzles. The suggested shapes are from Patricia Gordon and Reed C. Snow’s Super Fun for One: 366 Solo Activities for Kids (Andrews and McMeel, 1996). Kids can also try to make other shapes of their own making, again using all eight pieces for each pattern.
- Make two rows that are exactly the same length.
- Make three rows that are exactly the same length.
- Make four rows that are exactly the same length.
- Create a staircase pattern that has eight steps.
- Create a staircase pattern that has four steps.
- Create a staircase pattern that has three steps.
- Make a triangular shape or equal-sides pyramid.
- Make bridges – try to make bridges with different configurations.
- Create a rectangle.
If kids enjoy this alternative to a tangram puzzle, they may also want to try a Scramble Square Puzzle, another puzzle that they can make and then try to assemble while following the repeating pattern that covers the nine puzzle pieces.
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