Material Required:
This activity involves finding the pieces of a hidden map. Draw a map of your house or apartment (or a familiar room). Tailor the level of detail to the age and ability of your kids. Indicate the location of a treasure "chest"--a box or envelope containing a treat or reward. Cut the map into a number of irregularly shaped pieces. Again, match the difficulty of the puzzle to your kid's abilities. For extra strength, glue the map onto a piece of cardboard, let it dry, and then cut it into pieces. Next, hide the pieces in a room and offer clues as to their whereabouts. In general, keep it simple for young kids; make older kids stretch their minds. Once younger children have assembled the map-puzzle, you might have to offer help reading it; older kids can be turned loose on their own. Naturally, it's important for the effort to be worthwhile--perhaps make the treasure a coupon that can be redeemed for a home-baked treat, a family outing of the child's choice, or some other prize befitting of the arduous hunt. |