Sequencing Puzzles

Have you tried sequencing puzzles with your child? Some sequencing puzzles are simple and can be used by toddlers (2yrs+) others are better suited to preschoolers (3-4yrs+).

I hadn't given sequencing puzzles much thought until we borrowed one from our local toy library. While the puzzle was easy to put together my child loved the storytelling part, he narrated the story on the puzzle as he put it together. I could see his eyes light up, he really enjoyed putting the story together.

Sequencing puzzles are a bit like a storyboard. They help children learn the correct sequence of an event or activity. We have some sequencing puzzles that cover lifecycles (butterfly, frog, apples) and others that cover activities like making a sandwich or going to the toilet.

Sequencing puzzles can help children:

arrange thoughts, information and actions in order
put a series of events in a logical order
understand transition words like first, next and last
understand elements of a story like beginning, middle and end
make predictions - like what happens next
retell stories and past events in order.

Montessori sequence puzzles at How we Montessori

Some of our sequencing puzzles are self-correcting (which are easier for younger children) and others are not. Above and below are the Match It! - Sequencing Puzzles (AU here) which are self-correcting, these are recommended for children 3yrs+, I believe some of these could be used from 18 months (for puzzle-loving children).

Montessori sequence puzzles at How we Montessori

We could present the puzzles one at a time however, once my child started doing these sequencing puzzles, he want to do them all.

Some of the topics are interesting and can lead to further learning and discovery.

This Hygiene Sequence Puzzle Set (AU) are also self-correcting. These would also be suitable from 3yrs+. My four-year-old found these fun but simple to complete.

We borrowed this set from our local toy library, it was useful to use it for a couple of weeks then return it.

Going to the toilet, washing hands to eating to brushing teeth, and having a bath.

Sequence stoy logic cards at How we Montessori (2)

This Story Sequencing Set (AU here) is fantastic for older children from 4-5yrs+. These have words but can still be used by prereaders. They are not self-correcting and my four-year-old made plenty of mistakes using them. The sequences are harder to follow and the storylines are more complex. The cards are made to go into pocket charts, which I'm sure many schools have. The Story Sequencing Set has around 50 sequences, so there is a lot of work the children can do.

As these were more complex they took a lot longer to complete. These are fantastic for cognitive development and also visual discrimination. With some of the cards, it takes a while to notice the differences for example what is on the painting of how much the plant has grown.