DIY Craft Sticks Arabic Puzzles

If it is not already apparent by the little fingerprints you may find just about everywhere in the house, children love to explore the world around them through touch.  Providing them with opportunities to manipulate objects will not only enhance their learning, but also help satisfy their sensory needs. Here is an easy diy project you can do with your kids to help them learn Arabic, as well as satisfy their urges to touch!

The benefits of the Arabic Puzzle:

•   This puzzle is so easy to put together and only require a few materials! In fact, its so easy that your children can make their own (mine did).
•   Another perk is that  each Arabic sound (letter) is isolated, which facilitates learning, and understanding of the changing nature of Arabic letters.
•   Although this puzzle would make a great Arabic learning tool for younger children, it can also work well for older kids.
  
•   Its very versatile, so you can decide how challenging you want to make it by varying the length of the words to meet the different levels of your children.
•  I love the fact that it is made from wood; not only is it sturdy, but natural (no need to worry about the toxic chemicals which lurks in alot of toys!).  Not to mention, these craft sticks are sold just about everywhere, and are relatively cheap ( you can buy 300 pieces for 9 bucks online, shipping included!) 

Previously, I wrote about how I use learning centers, and this activity could be used in conjunction with the Arabic blocks or as a stand alone activity for your Arabic classes. I put mine in an empty “fancy” chocolate box to store them.  

To make your own Arabic puzzles, you will need:

•   Jumbo Craft Sticks
•   Markers
•   Masking Tape

Directions:

 1.  With a strip of tape, tape enough Jumbo sticks together that is necessary to form a word of your choice, making sure it is aligned perfectly.

 2.  Write the Arabic word on top, making sure to put only one letter per stick. (I recommend using a pencil first and then going it over with a marker, in case you make a mistake)

 3.  Draw a corresponding picture underneath.

 4.  Remove tape, and secure each word set with a rubber band to keep them in order until they are ready for use.

Tip: To provide more practice, you can also write the Arabic letter in different forms at the back of each stick, and have them match up the correct form of the letter to form the word (see below).

Note: For younger children who may need additional support, you can print a list of words for them to reference. Alternatively, you can put numbers on the bottom of the sticks, to provide hints.

Check out our other posts inshaAllah in the Learn Arabic Series:

Learn Arabic: Kids Edition

Learn Arabic: Free Resources

Arabic Blocks Review

DIY Arabic Sun and Moon Letters Game

Birds Study According to Hadith and Quran (Comes with free printable book, and song)

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