Presentation

  1. 1

    Observe the class fish or a photograph of a real fish. Point to its tail, fins, and eye.

  2. 2

    Bring the fish puzzle. Remove the pieces one at a time by the knobs, trace each one, and name it: head, tail fin, dorsal fin, gills, body, eye.

  3. 3

    Replace the pieces, naming each again.

  4. 4

    Give a three-period lesson on three parts at a time.

  5. 5

    Invite the child to work the puzzle.

  6. 6

    On later days, match the picture cards, then the label cards, and check with the control cards.

  7. 7

    Introduce the frog, turtle, bird, and horse puzzles one at a time in the same way.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Trace the puzzle pieces, color, and label a booklet for one animal
  2. Compare two animals: 'Which parts do both have?'
  3. Match three-part cards for all five animals
  4. Read definition cards for each part

Control of error

The puzzle pieces fit only in their own space; control cards show each part with its label.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Completes at least three animal puzzles independently
  • Names four or more parts of each animal studied
  • Matches three-part cards with the control

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.