How Do I Create a Class Jigsaw Puzzle?

Draw a picture or a pattern on the cardboard. Make the image you create quite striking, bold and colorful and not too intricately detailed.

Draw an outline of your puzzle pieces in marker pen on the back of the cardboard. Think about the size and number of pieces you want to create, keeping the age of the children you're making it for in mind. Draw larger pieces for younger children, and decrease the size and increase the complexity for older kids.

Laminate the drawing. A cardboard puzzle is not going to last long unless it's strengthened. Cardboard--no matter how thick and sturdy--will fray, tear and bend when handled repeatedly by children. Although this puzzle is not intended to last for years, a trip to the local printers to have your drawing laminated will make it last longer.

Cut out your shapes. Carefully cut along the marks you made with the hobby knife to create the pieces of your puzzle. Ensure that the knife is sharp, and press down hard to ensure that your cuts are clean.

Trim the edges of your shapes with your hobby knife. It's possible that you'll be left with an uneven finish after cutting your shapes out. Make sure they have a smooth finish so they'll fit back together easily when reassembled.

Mix the puzzle pieces up. Shuffle the pieces of your puzzle, and let your kids get started on putting it back together.