Item #: 7156

Manufacturer: Training Wheels

Mfg ID: PuzzleJr

Think of it as a Community Quilt!The Community Puzzle consists of large universal blank puzzle pieces that fit together in any order. The puzzle pieces have a semi-gloss surface. They are perfect for decorating with rubber stamps, ink pens, paint and other artistic mediums (heat transfer works but you need to pre-heat the puzzle). The puzzles are 1/16" thick (just like regular commercially printed jigsaw puzzles, only white). You will NOT be able to run them through your desktop printer (way too thick)! The Community Puzzle Large has 24 center pieces and 24 border pieces with 48 pieces total. Center pieces measure 4"x4". Border pieces are 2"x4". The completed puzzle measures 20" x 28". Need more pieces? If you do, simply buy more sets and make the puzzle as big as you need! Here are some suggestions on ways to use this great tool:

• Each person decorates a puzzle piece in his/her own style, usually, but not always using a common theme. You can have them color on their puzzle piece to represent the learning that they are going to take away from the program.
• For counseling sessions: have the client or family color a different piece to record their progress and milestones. You then have a colorful memory puzzle of everything they have accomplished and learned.
• For schools: These are great for field trips! It can utilize bus time on their way back to school. After your trip to the museum give each student a puzzle piece and some crayons as they get back on the bus. Have them color what they learned on their puzzle piece. When you get back to school the students can put the puzzle together.
• To close an adult program: you can have a group identify goals by having participants decorate a puzzle piece to represent the learning that they are going to take away from the program.
• What is your piece of the puzzle? In newly formed committees and other action groups members need to assign roles early on. Through creating artwork, or strength and goal words-group members can explore express and define their roles in a group and the strengths they bring to the group.
• In a conflict situation, the puzzle pieces can be used effectively as a communication tool. Expression can be enhanced when a person uses a puzzle piece to represent their feelings and actions. For participants to name their part in a conflict and the piece they might take on to change it.
• Great idea for name tags for a small conference or business meeting. Write each person's name on a puzzle piece and glue on a pin to the back. They then have to find the person(s) they connect with.
• Set them out at birthday functions, wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations for good wishes and a fun gift to the receiver they will cherish forever.