Cereal Box Puzzle

mother playing with daughter

Young children love to assemble puzzles. This activity is a great way to recycle your child’s favorite cereal box and have fun with puzzles.

Playing and Learning: This activity is fun for your child, and your child will develop some early learning skills, such as:

  • Eye-hand coordination
  • Word recognition and word assembly
  • Listen carefully to 3 step instructions
  • Wait patiently
  • Recycling

Directions: After you are done with your favorite cereal:

  1. Cut out the front portion of the cereal box.
  2. Remove the sides, so all that is left is the front of the box.
  3. Turn the front of the cereal box face down and draw 6-8 puzzle shapes directly onto the cardboard. You should make the pieces distinct enough so that once they are cut out they are easily re-assembled.
  4. Cut out the shapes. Try not to leave jagged edges.
  5. Begin the activity by allowing your child to simply explore the shapes.

Remember to praise: Children need constant praise and encouragement.

Help, rather than lead: Children need to feel successful, so don’t be too anxious to form the puzzle yourself. Remember, you are your child’s first and best teacher!