Apr 11 2008
Oh what fun!
I got this puzzle made from an M. C. Escher print from someone on Freecycle(TM) this week and took it in to school yesterday. The kids were intrigued by it and were unable to resist asking questions about it and working on it. It was so funny to listen to them talk about the images. (The puzzle is only 40 pieces and each piece is one of the creatures or objects pictured.)
When a few puzzles were offered this week, I jumped on them saying I’d like to put them in my library. I figured it would give the kids something constructive and meaningful to do for a change. It’s good problem solving skills to do puzzles. 
Since putting the puzzle out yesterday after lunch, at least 8 different groups of kids have stood or sat at the table and worked on the puzzle. Most wanted me to see it when they completed it. The ones who ran out of time and had to return to class before they got it finished took it apart so no one else would “get credit for (their) work!”
I even had a sales rep in to show me some books today and we sat at the table where the pieces were and he couldn’t keep his hands off of it while I was up and down helping kids check out or deal with computer problems. I’m so glad that I picked them up from that fellow Freecycle member!
It’ll be interesting to see if they decide to do some of the other puzzles I got as well.
Wow, what a great find! Hopefully the interest continues and you find more wonderful things to keep them out of trouble when they are with you.