LESESTART is a set of 12 puzzles designed to help children get started with reading, either at school or whenever they are ready. The puzzles are self-checking, so a child can play alone or work together with others. They can try, make mistakes, and when a piece fits, they know the answer is correct.
Reading Start bundle with capital letters: Reading Start - Capital Letters
Reading Start bundle with lowercase letters: Reading start - Lowercase letters
The series is structured progressively, starting with READING START 1 and continuing with 2, 3, 4, and so on. The two puzzles featuring the entire alphabet are called READING START 6 and ABC (without a number). They can be used early or later, depending on the individual child’s needs.
The puzzles are available with either uppercase or lowercase letters. We recommend starting with uppercase letters, though many children also prefer to start with lowercase.
To learn the first 10 letters, we offer puzzles with one letter per piece. For example, the piece with “O” fits only over the picture of cheese. As the series progresses, more letters are gradually added until there are puzzles that include all letters.
We have four puzzles with one letter or syllable per piece. Arrange the pieces to form words that match the 16 pictures on the frame. Not all letters are on the pieces—some are fixed on the frame to make it easier for the child. These puzzles help children crack the reading code.
Above is an image of one of our puzzles (READING START 5) that provides excellent reading practice. We have 24 puzzle pieces, each with one word. Each piece fits only under the picture that matches the word.
Every time a piece falls into place, children experience a sense of achievement. They are inspired to continue with new tasks or can play the same puzzle multiple times, noticing that they complete it faster each time.