DISCOVER · STAY PLAYFUL PROJECT
Puzzle Partners
Turn a favorite puzzle into a little adventure in working together.
- Ages 4+ with a grown-up
- 15–20 minutes
- Free activity
A LITTLE PREPARATION
Before you begin
Choose large pieces for younger children and follow the puzzle’s age guidance. Pick a puzzle that feels enjoyable, not a race to finish.
What you’ll need
- One age-appropriate jigsaw puzzle.
- A clear table, tray, or comfortable floor space.
A chance to practice
Practice noticing shapes, testing ideas, and taking turns.
YOUR ILLUSTRATED GUIDE
Watch & try
About 2 minutes of guidance.
As much playtime as you like.
Start a step, then take time to try it. Choose Next step whenever you’re ready. Captions stay on; sound is optional.
✳ Stay Playful ProjectStep 1 of 6Ready when you are.
Look at the whole picture
Look at the picture on the box together. Notice the main colors, characters, and shapes. Decide which part you would each like to help find.
What catches your eye first?
GO AT YOUR OWN PACE
Let’s give it a try.
Look at the whole picture
Look at the picture on the box together. Notice the main colors, characters, and shapes. Decide which part you would each like to help find.
What catches your eye first?
Make little groups
Turn the pieces picture-side up. Sort a few by color or picture detail. Try a group for sky, another for leaves, or one for a character.
Which pieces might belong together?
Find an edge
Look for pieces with a straight side. Find a corner if your puzzle has one. Try placing a few edges together to begin a frame.
Can you find a straight side?
Try, turn, and look again
Choose two pieces that might fit. Look at their shapes, gently try them, and turn one if needed. If they do not fit, set them aside without forcing.
What could you try differently?
Help your partner
Take turns choosing a piece. Ask whether your partner wants a hint or time to try. Playing alone? Describe your idea aloud before you test it.
Try asking: “Would you like a clue?”
Celebrate a small discovery
Notice something you solved together, even if the puzzle is not finished. Continue off-screen, or leave it somewhere safe to return to another day.
What helped you make progress?
Make it your own.
Make it simpler
Use a small puzzle with large pieces, or work on just one corner together.
Try a new challenge
Explain why you think a piece belongs in a particular place before trying it.
Play your way
One person can describe pieces while another places them. Take breaks whenever you like.
Stay Playful Project · stayplayfulproject.org/play-and-learn/puzzle-partners/