Piecing Together Playtime - How puzzles aid learning
Puzzles might seem a bit old and traditional but there's a reason their use has continued through generations. Puzzles help to develop a whole range of vital skills that little ones carry with them forever. Here are just a few of the ways puzzles can help develop your little ones crucial skills.
Problem Solving
While piecing together a puzzle little ones will have to think logically and critically. You can't cheat at a puzzle, a piece either fits or it doesn't so little ones need to take the time to think about what they're doing. Your little ones will use this skill in everyday life from things like building towers from blocks to their coat zip getting stuck. Children will become aware of the problem-solving process and this should help reduce frustrations.
Verbal Communication
Puzzles are a fantastic way to introduce new vocabulary to your little one. As your piecing together the puzzle, talk to them about what's happening in the scene and what to look for on the next piece. It's hard to do a puzzle together in complete silence so work as a team and be vocal!
Fine Motor Development
Grabbing the pieces of the puzzles and manoeuvring them will strengthen little
Hand-Eye Coordination
Piecing together a puzzle takes lots of precision, it can take a while for little ones to get the hang of this. Start with a puzzle made from chunky, easy to hold pieces, like our Chunky Lift Put Farm Puzzle. Twisting and turning the pieces to try the fit will challenge the brain and aid hand-eye coordination. This skill will help them every day in life from catching a ball to picking up a cup.
Concentration and Memory
We all wish we had a better memory, Don't we? Give your little ones a head start with puzzles! Remembering how the puzzle should look at the end and how the pieces fit together will give your little ones brain a work out all while they learn to concentrate for longer periods of time. Sitting down and focusing on one clear task is a great way to improve concentration.
Patience
Overcoming any challenge, especially puzzles, takes time and patience. Frequent puzzle play will teach children to persevere until they achieve the goal. Start out with a simple 2 piece puzzle and slowly move up to puzzles with a higher piece count.
There are so many cognitive skills that puzzles develop but they are also great fun! It's a lovely way to bond and spend time with your little one. Puzzles cover a diverse age range; there really is something for every age. Why not take a look at our Puzzle range?
Let us know what your little one's favourite puzzle is on social media.