I purchased these
http://answers.canadiantire.ca/answe.../questions.htm

They are foam floor mats with the alphabet but they letters actually pop out like a puzzle.

I didn't really read the packaging properly and thought that the letters were just printed on them, I didn't realize that they actually came apart.

They were kind of expensive, $40.00. Enough that unless they work in the space I'd like to return them.

Do you think that they will become more work, with the kids taking them apart and me having to continually help them put it together. Or could I teach them to leave them alone, and if they do take the apart they are in charge of putting them together? Space is also an issue, they take up a lot of space so would be a pain with some kids wanting to play in the same space as the mat, and I imagine it getting quite messy. I was thinking I could bring it out sometimes to play with as a big group puzzle, or I could somehow attach it to the wall so it can be played with.
My group is 2-5 years if that helps.