Colour-In Jigsaw Puzzle — 500 Pieces, Under the Sea

Parent guides: Games That Build Your Child’s Skills, by Age: 1, 18 Months, 2, 3, 4–5 and 6+ · Kids' Gift Ideas by Age: Birthday Presents From Baby to 10+

1. Sort the pieces and find the edges first.
2. Build the frame, then work inwards using the line detail to guide you.
3. Take it in sittings; 500 pieces is not a one-evening job.
4. Once it is complete, colour the sea creatures in however you like.
5. Leave it whole and display it, or take it apart and start again.

• Sustained attention over days rather than minutes
• A working method for a large puzzle — edges, then sections
• Reading fine line detail instead of relying on colour blocks
• Ownership, since the finished picture is coloured by whoever built it

• Colour one creature at a time rather than the whole scene
• Build it with someone else and colour it alone
• Photograph it before and after colouring