This wooden train tracks puzzle gets my toddler and preschooler thinking!
There was a time when wooden train tracks wrapped themselves from the playroom, straight into the kitchen, and back again. And guess what? I kind of miss that. I miss tripping on tracks. So I am putting them back on rotation with this wooden train tracks puzzle that got my toddler and preschooler thinking about lines and curves.
RELATED: Looking for easy ideas at home with kids? – an excellent list!
Can you build it?
This is a powerful question for problem-solving.
It forces children to think beyond a basic question and form a plan.
When your child forms a plan, they are examining what is in front of them, hypothesizing a solution, and challenging their thinking to attempt the task in front of them.
These thinking opportunities will help children throughout their entire life!
As parents and teachers, we can get caught up in letter and number recognition. I challenge you to take a step back and spend most of your time providing Breakfast Invitations and other problem-solving opportunities.
RELATED: We love simple ways to play! Check out our activity cards.
These wooden train tracks also help with prewriting!
Wait. How could that be true?
Each wooden track is a different line. Manipulating these tracks allow your child to play around with different line formations.
These are the same line formations that they will also find with letters when it comes to writing.
Letters have:
- Straight lines – examples: A, H, K
- Tunnels – examples: n
- Curves – examples: C, O, S
- Both straights and curves – examples: P, Q, D
Line formations with tracks are similar to the line formations with letters! Read all about letter recognition here!
This wooden train track puzzle activity is simple to make!
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Now you know me. Most Breakfast Invitations begin with the white paper roll! It is one of my most important supplies for motherhood! You can find the paper roll and other supplies we keep on hand here.
You’ll find the supplies used again and again in our list of easy indoor activities.
Supplies
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- White paper roll
- Markers – we use this 40 pack
First, tape your white paper roll to the tabletop. I like to use painter’s tape to secure it to the table.
Next, place your wooden tracks in an oval formation and trace the outline of your tracks.
Finally, take the tracks apart and slide them to the left of your paper.
Now you are ready! Invite your child over to put the tracks back together. Prompt with the question, “Can you build this?” and watch the thinking take place.
RELATED: Have you seen our tree farm invitation to play with wooden tracks?
