Montessori Knobbed Puzzles represent animals and plant life, including a frog, horse, tree, and leaf. Each puzzle has removable pieces with small knobs. A guide shows the child how to handle the pieces and return them to their places.
Working with the pieces
The child may return to the same puzzle or choose another one. Lifting a piece by its knob, turning it, and fitting it into its opening gives the child practice in careful hand movements.
From spoken names to labels
In a Primary presentation, the guide can introduce the names of parts before offering written labels. With a frog puzzle, for example, the child might learn to name the head and hind legs. Once the names are familiar and the child is ready to read them, labels provide another way to work with the puzzle.
At the elementary level, labels may also introduce unfamiliar names. The guide chooses the vocabulary and presentation to suit the child’s experience and reading readiness.
Choose puzzles suited to the child’s age and readiness, and supervise their use. Small removable pieces should not be used with children who may put them in their mouths.
