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Puzzle Play

I always include Puzzle Play in our monthly plans because I feel it is so important to development. Puzzles help build motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and identification. 
This month is no different. I pulled out the animal puzzles for our Structured Play area. (We have puzzles in other areas of the house as well.) Today Jake went to the puzzles first. He dumped the puzzles and started putting each animal back into it's spot. While doing this he said the name of the animal and the sound they make. (Above he is making the NEIGH of a horse.)
He did the same with the African animal puzzle. I am happy that he is making the effort to use the names of the animals, that was a goal for this month. He is really good at placing these puzzle pieces in their slot but has a bit more trouble with the others. I repeat to him over and over again, "Take your time, turn the piece." He listens and is able to place the piece after a few tries. His patience is short lived. I feel patience is a VERY important skill that must be taught. He has shown growth with his patience but it is still something we need to work on! 

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