When children work on puzzles, they are actually “putting the pieces together” in more ways than one. Puzzles help children build the skills they need to read, write, solve problems, and coordinate their thoughts and actions—all of which they will use in school and beyond. Find a puzzle with a picture that has particular interest for your child, and you may help her begin to recognize colors and letters, and come to realize that the sum of parts make up a whole—a concept that will help her with math later on. By inserting pieces into the puzzle, children also develop the muscle group used for writing, or the “pincer” grasp.
Thanks for this post… I always wonder which puzzels to purchase for my two year old… we have a cupboard of about 30… and hes funny I think hes ready for larger ones beause he flies through shape ones and wooden ones… but then has problems getting the puzzel pieces to click together… I never even thought of homemade puzzels with softers entrances so hes motivated to do the switch upwards… currently if the pieces are hard he will do it (I have a couple plastic puzzles that when its right the pieces sing… but hes outgrowing them but has shown no interst in larger puzzles… maybe its just my choices arnt the right ones.
A puzzle can be a great activity for all family members. It not only encourages positive interaction between siblings, but more important, it is an easy way for parent(s) and child to interact. And, as it is well put, the many educational aspects of a puzzle adds to that quality time spent with the child.
If kids are exposed to puzzles a lot and like them, they seem to beat the average expectations. My 2.5 year old does 12-18pcs ones.
On-line puzzles could have the same benefits to mental development, but not physical/motor skills. I try to let my kids handle real life objects as much as possible opposed to doing everything on computer
