You can make your own state puzzle by cutting out each state from a wall map, gluing the pieces onto poster board, and cutting them out again. The pieces are then more durable, and your kids can put the puzzle together over and over until they learn the location of each of the states. The fun thing about this puzzle is that it’s like a floor puzzle–it’s so large. You can store the pieces in a Ziplock bag.
Other geography activities you can do with this puzzle:
- Hold up a state, and the child has to name the state from the shape.
- Name the capital of the state you are holding up.
- Blindfold the child and hand the child a state. See if the child can figure out which state it is.
- Hold up a state and name the bordering states.
- Time yourself to see how fast you can put together the puzzle. Hold races between children to see who can put the puzzle together the fastest.
- Hold up a state and have the child say the two-letter abbreviation for the state.
- Grab a slide projector or an overhead projector. Hold up each piece and look at the silhouette. Name the state.
Take a look at how you can make your own state puzzle:
Tags: geography, Homeschooling, puzzle, USA
LOVE this idea!!!! Now to find a wall map I like that I’m willing to cut-up! LOL 🙂
You can find extra maps at yard sales and resale shops. 🙂
This is a great idea! You could laminate the pieces too to make them last longer.
Yes, lamination would make them more durable.
What a great idea – and a fun project for the kids!
Thanks! They really learn a lot about where each state is located through this activity.