How to Make a Popsicle Stick Puzzle

Children can make their own popsicle stick puzzle using a few inexpensive materials. This is a wonderful project that helps a child develop their thinking skills, motor skills and long term memory. Here are the steps on how to make a popsicle stick puzzle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Popsicle sticks of any size
• Masking tape
• Pencil
• Markers or crayons

1. Give the child several popsicle sticks and have him lay the popsicle sticks side by side on a flat surface to form a square or rectangle. For example, the child could use their popsicle sticks to make a raft formation. Be sure the ends of the raft formation are even with each other.

2. Place a piece of masking tape over the top end of the popsicle sticks. Smooth the tape out as your apply it to the popsicle sticks while being sure the sticks stay snug against each other. Place a second piece of masking tape to the bottom end of the popsicle sticks.

3. Turn the popsicle square or rectangle over so the front side of the popsicles face upwards. The masking tape must be down towards the flat surface for this part of the puzzle development.

4. Use pencil to draw a picture on all of the popsicle sticks. Use markers or crayons to color your picture. Be creative and colorful.

5. Flip the puzzle over and remove the two pieces of masking tape from backside of puzzle. Throw the pieces of masking tape away once they have been removed from the popsicle sticks.

6. Mix up the popsicle sticks and have your child find the correct puzzle pieces and put them back together in the correct order.

Tips & Warnings

• Put small number on the backside for younger kids. This will help you remember the order of the pieces.
• Hide the puzzle pieces around the room and have your child find the pieces, then put the puzzle together.
• Decoupage a picture to the popsicle sticks. Allow it to dry, then use a knife to cut the popsicle sticks apart evenly.