We have minimal time in our Bible classes to make an impact on our students. To make every moment count (Eph. 5:16), puzzles can’t merely be used as time fillers. As with any activity, we must maximize time when using puzzles.
3 Tips for Maximizing Time When Using Puzzle
- Choose puzzles that fit the theme of the lesson to reinforce learning.
If the lesson involves a Bible story, you might use puzzles related to that story. If you can’t find a puzzle on that story, perhaps you can make your own by cutting pictures into puzzle pieces. Another idea might be to use puzzles that portray the application of the lesson. For example, if teaching about sharing you might use a puzzle that reflects children sharing.
- Use guided conversation as children work on the puzzles to informally point them to God and bring the truths of the lesson into focus.
Don’t assume children will get the connection between the puzzle and the lesson. Talk with them about it as they work on the puzzle. Prepare some questions you might ask but also look for unscripted teachable moments.
- Color code the backs of the puzzles, using a different color for each puzzle, to cut time sorting through puzzle pieces for storage.
Seek to invest your time on students and their learning, not on clean-up of the activity. By color coding backs of puzzles, you’ll minimize time spent putting them away ready for future use.