Block Set
dle" on early geometry skills with this
Parquetry Block Puzzles
Parquetry Pals Set (LER 0144)! Filled with hands- on activity cards, these puzzles develop color recognition, motor coordination, visual and spatial relations, and early geometry skills.
en Parquetry Blocks (red, orange, green,
This Puzzle Kit Contains:
purple, blue, and yellow) in 3 shapes
• 4 Activity Cards
Parquetry Blocks
Parquetry Blocks are made of wood, and come in three geometric shapes: parallelograms, triangles, and squares. Each shape is designed to fit with another, using the basic principles of geometry and angles. For best results, work on a smooth surface when using Parquetry Blocks and the activity cards.
ren exploration time with the Parquetry
Introducing the puzzle set
Blocks. Separate the blocks by color and shape. Invite children to explore the various ways the shapes fit together by creating a design! Then, work on the first puzzle together, and allow children to continue with the puzzles as their skill level allows. More than one solution to a puzzle may be possible.
or Recognition
Skills covered in Parquetry Pals
The activities provide colors and outlines for each design. Invite your child to match the shapes and colors shown for early designing fun!
•Advanced Matching/Spatial Relations
These cards show the colors needed, but partial outlines only. Children should try to finish the
puzzle with the correct colors and shapes to create an interesting design.
Fun Activities with Parquetry Pals
•As children complete puzzles, introduce counting. Ask them, "How many pieces are in the puzzle? How many of those pieces are red? blue? yellow?" etc.
•Explore shape identification with Parquetry Blocks. Explain that a square has four sides and four equal angles, a triangle has three sides and varying angles, and a parallelogram has four sides and equal opposite angles. Point to each shape as you name them together. Ask children to show you a square, a triangle and a parallelogram for reinforcement.
•Count the number of squares in a design. Then invite children to count the number of red squares in the design. Introduce the concept of "more than" or "less than" by comparing the number of green squares to the number of red squares used in each design.
•Build on counting principles by introducing fractions with Parquetry Blocks. After creating the designs on the activity cards, explain that each color represents a part, or fraction of the total number of that shape. For instance, if there are
eight squares in the design, and three of them are red, the fraction of red squares is 38. Continue naming fractions of shapes together. Then, ask higher level questions like, "Which colored shape is represented by 28 ?" etc.
•Investigate parallel lines with Parquetry Blocks. Explain "Parallel lines are two lines running
in the same direction, that never touch." Use the edges of squares and parallelograms to illustrate this concept. Invite children to create their own designs with these shapes individually, then combine them. See how many different designs you can make!
•Introduce the concept of symmetry. Explain that a symmetrical image is evenly arranged around an imaginary line of symmetry, which cuts the image in half. Challenge children to find activity cards with lines of symmetry and make symmetrical designs of their own.
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