Puzzle & Challenge
Pre-primary
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Try, Try Again
Age Group
Ages 3-5
Session Intention
Children try simple puzzles and learn that it is okay to keep trying even when something is hard.
Materials Needed
• Shape Sorter Cube (4)
• Pyramid Rings (2)
• Alphabet - Big & Small (1)
• Animal Pairs (1)
• Numbers floor puzzle (1)
• Aakar Parivar (1)
• Sorting Kit - Triangles (1)
• Sorting Kit - Quads (1)
• Cover the Shadow (1)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6 from nearby benches.
2. Give each group one puzzle.
3. Keep spare puzzles with you to swap in.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Which Hand? (2 min)
1. Hide a small object in one fist.
2. Children guess which hand.
3. Let one child hide it for others to guess.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the games.
2. Wait for your turn.
3. Be kind.
4. Take care of the games
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
GETTING GROUPS STARTED:
1. Give each group one puzzle.
2. Show them how it works in under a minute, then let them try.
3. Simplest options: Shape Sorter Cube, Pyramid Rings, Numbers Floor Puzzle, Cover the Shadow.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Walk around. Do not give answers.
2. Ask one guiding questions like - Does the big ring go at the bottom or the top? (for pyramid rings)
3. Celebrate trying, not just success.
4. If a group finishes, swap their puzzle.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. Child gives up - sit with them, solve the first step together, then let them continue.
2. Puzzle too hard - remove the harder pieces for now.
3. Children frustrated - Reset them by making them shake their body and try again!
What You May Notice
1. Young children may not solve the puzzle completely. The attempt is what matters.
2. Some children find creative shortcuts that are technically wrong but show real thinking. Acknowledge the thinking.
3. Expect some children to lose interest if the puzzle is too hard. Have a simpler version ready.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Ask children what puzzle they worked on today.
2. Ask if they solved it. If not, remind them that trying hard is what matters.
3. Ask children to pack up carefully. Ensure all pieces are returned to the correct box.
4. Appreciate their effort and persistence in working on a challenging puzzle.
Try Next Time
1. Try the same puzzle again - can they do it faster than last time?
2. Let children choose which puzzle they want to try.
3. Pair two children who did different puzzles - they teach each other.