Make a jigsaw puzzle

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

This is a good activity that can be adapted and 

modified to suit the needs of your target audience.

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• A jigsaw puzzle can be defined as an array of differently shaped pieces which, when fitted together, form a picture of some sort. Jigsaw puzzles have been around since the eighteenth century, but they became very popular during the Great Depression because they were an affordable method of entertainment. You can make your own jigsaw puzzle by following these simple steps:

Step 1-Choose the picture you want to display on your finished puzzle. The picture can be an enlarged photograph or a picture from a calendar, or something similiar. Do not try to use magazine pages as the paper is too thin and it tears too easily. Do not try to use thick posters either as the paper they are printed on is too thick and tends to become fuzzy around the edges.

Step 2- Decide what kind of backing you want for your puzzle. You can use a heavy cardboard backing, foam,or even wood. If you choose to use foam,you will need a large, flat sheet of the material. If you choose to use to use wood for your backing, you will need a thin piece of plywood that is big enough to put the chosen picture on. Note: If you do not have a saw, you can ask someone to cut it out for you. I do not recommend this

Step 3- Next, you will need to mount the picture onto the backing. You can use white glue, but it is not recommended because it it hard to work with. Plus, it takes quite awhile for the glue to dry before you can move onto the next step. Glue sticks are not good to use either because they do not stick as well , and sometimes they tend to come off of the stick in messy globs. Your best bet is a dry mounting spray which is available at your local craft or hobby store.

Step 4- Use the mounting spray by following the manufacturer's directions. Make sure that you mount the picture onto the backing properly. Lay the picture onto the backing perfectly flat with no air bubbles left in between the picture and the backing.

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Step 5- Depending on the backing you chose, you will now need to cut the puzzle apart into iregularly-shaped pieces. If you are using cardboard, you may either cut it apart with a utility knife, or, a sharp scissors. It is best for you to do this step. Put the puzzle together to make sure that all of the pieces fit together properly.

                                   make your own jigsaw puzzle

For use with lower functioning groups, make only a few pieces.