Torres Strait Islander Opening Coconut Puzzle

Piece together a scene of a Torres Strait Islander opening a coconut with this 12-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle. As children turn the pieces and match details in the picture, they practise fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination and problem-solving. The finished scene gives educators a starting point for conversations about coconuts, food preparation and everyday life in the Torres Strait.

Handcrafted in Sydney from sustainably sourced Australian timber, the puzzle comes in its own wooden storage tray. Designed for children aged 3 and up, it suits independent play, paired activities and small-group discussions in early learning centres, kindergartens and junior primary classrooms.

Why Educators Love It

• Encourages careful observation as children look for picture details and compare the shapes of pieces.

• Builds confidence through practice as children try different positions, find a fit and work towards completing the picture.

• Brings Torres Strait Islander representation into everyday play through a scene children can observe and talk about together.

• Packs away neatly in its own wooden tray, ready for the next group.

How to Use It

• Invite children to work in pairs and explain which clues helped them place a piece.

• Look at the completed picture together. Ask children what they notice about the coconut and what they think they might find inside.

• Pair the puzzle with a story or video by a Torres Strait Islander creator to give children a chance to hear about food and daily life from Torres Strait Islander voices.

EYLF Outcomes Supported

• Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity. Use the scene to invite children to share familiar foods and food preparation routines from home.

• Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Practise taking a pause, asking for help and trying again when a piece is tricky to place.

• Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators. Describe what is happening in the picture, ask questions and explain how pieces fit together.

Product Details

• Includes one 12-piece wooden puzzle with a wooden storage tray

• Material sustainably sourced Australian timber

• Made in Australia and handcrafted in Sydney

• Dimensions 34 × 24 × 1 cm

• Weight 0.6 kg

• Recommended age 3 years and up