Puzzles, great overlooked tool!

When Emily was very young I shared with a friend that we were getting some puzzles for Emily. My friend gave me this odd look and remarked that her child had never asked for puzzles.  Her child was about the same age.  I thought to myself, well duh!  Emily hadn't asked for them either.  At this age they don't know about puzzles.  I can't think of an 18 month old who has said, Mom, I would like to try a puzzle! It's up to us to expose them to puzzles!  Really young children have no idea what they need or not need.  It's up to us.

Puzzles are great learning tools.  In addition to the obvious matching letters or numbers, putting a picture together, puzzles allow children to learn problem solving skills.  Think about it,  when the piece doesn't fit, they have to problem solve.  Think of the oral language you can use: twist it, flip it, turn it, rotate it. Amazing words.  

Children also develop spacial awareness, the ability to see how things might fit together.   Will this piece fit into that spot?  (Will all of this 'stuff' fit in the trunk of the car?)  Spacial awareness comes in later when children are learning about geometry and area.

Process of elimination is also learned.    For example if this piece goes here, then this piece must go there.  I have one piece left and one spot left, that must be where the piece goes.

Children also learn patience.   Some children get frustrated when working with puzzles.   You can model for them how to turn the piece to make it fit.  Patience is a skill they will use forever!

If you haven't bought a puzzle go buy one.   Start out with the chunky pieces and maybe only 3-5 pieces.  If your child is a little older, teach them how to find all the corner and straight edge pieces first.

Every home should have puzzles.   Puzzles are some of the best learning tools around!