A Tray Puzzle gives people a framework to work within. They are the next step from raised puzzles as fine motor coordination is developing. Tray puzzles are designed in many different configurations with few or many pieces. They can be traditionally cut or randomly cut to the shape of the object. This encourages recognition of both positive and negative shapes. Puzzles help develop the skills of hand -eye coordination, fine motor skills, gross motor skills,problem solving, shape recognition, memory and very importantly setting goals and achieving them. A successful outcome of achievement should be considered most important when choosing the piece count

Puzzles with more than one layer have more than one objective. The many layers will increase the difficulty of the task and they allow children to understand more than one angle of the concept being taught. Children have difficulty with concepts that are not easy to see, showing them on different layers gives the concept has more clarity. The concept of layers builds on the child’s excitement of discovery, the hidden layers encouraging them to look deeper.

To “Look Inside” can be a very rewarding experience for a child. It can be used to show many concepts, such as “what is hidden beneath” or to help children to learn colours or correctly understand the difference of shapes. Look Inside can be used in early childhood for young puzzlers but it may also be used to extend the more advanced puzzler by putting new and exciting concepts into a concealed space. Puzzles with more than one layer fit into this category.