~ Introduce Jigsaw Puzzles in your Kids' lives for better growth and development.~
Jigsaw puzzles are powerful educational tools for kids. The hidden lessons, unique shapes, beautiful concepts, and beautiful designs help kids focus and boost their problem-solving skills. However, the real game is in the way you introduce a jigsaw puzzle in your child’s life. If you use the right strategy to inculcate puzzles in your child’s schedule, it will become fun for them, not a forced source of frustration. Let’s explore the right method to introduce jigsaw puzzles in your kids' lives.
Why Jigsaw Puzzles Matter in A Child’s Life
Puzzles using jigsaw pieces are more than just a hobby. They give kids an enjoyable way to practice important developmental skills. Puzzles assist:
For Brain Development
Puzzle activity helps a lot in the brain development of children. The puzzle pieces help in the development of problem-solving and visual-spatial abilities in your child.
Improves Memory Power
The different shapes of puzzles help in improving the memory power of your kids. While analysing the images of different puzzle pieces, the child’s brain's storage starts working efficiently. Of course, it is a slow process, but what really matters is the functioning of the brain.
Build Confidence
Solving a jigsaw puzzle helps in building confidence in kids. On completion of the puzzle set, the feeling of achievement builds the level of confidence in them.
Best Ways to Introduce Jigsaw Puzzles to Kids
Parents can foster creativity and provide children with an enjoyable substitute for screen time by introducing jigsaw puzzles to their children at the appropriate age. Let’s explore the right ways -
Use Age-Appropriate Jigsaw Puzzles
Selecting the right puzzles according to the age of the kids is very important. Kids Jigsaw Puzzles are available according to age. Kids' puzzles are easy to solve and often come according to the mental level of the kids. For toddlers, large puzzle pieces with few pieces are ideal. For pre-schoolers ( 4 to 5 Years old),12-24 pieces with some enhanced images are appropriate. For children above 5 years old children puzzle sets with a higher number of pieces are appropriate. They can gradually move up to a higher number of pieces as they like. Basically, if you get the right kind of jigsaw puzzle according to the age of your kid, then it will be beneficial for their understanding level.
A Special Puzzle Space
Solving puzzles becomes more fun when you solve them in the right space. If you want to introduce jigsaw puzzles in your child’s life, then you should create a peaceful, distraction-free corner of your home for your child to focus carefully. An area with a flat surface, such as a table or play mat, is ideal. Once you establish a consistent “puzzle spot” in your home, you will create a schedule for your child and let them know that this is a special activity.
You can also create a sense of excitement by using a colourful box or basket to store your puzzles. An attractive presentation of the puzzle could generate curiosity for your child before the activity even begins.
Celebrate Small Victories
Kids love rewards. So after the completion of their jigsaw puzzle, you should celebrate their victory with candies and snacks. Also, frame their hard work to hang it on the wall. They will feel motivated and self-confident. They will love jigsaw puzzles more than gadgets. Also, kids love to flaunt their rewards and victories, so make sure to capture their finished jigsaw puzzle and smiles in your camera. Make sure to praise them with warm hugs and clapping to make them realise that they are doing something great.
Use Jigsaw Puzzles to Educate Kids
You can merge storytelling and the solving jigsaw puzzle activity for teaching moral values to your children. It will be a creative lesson for them and help you in introducing jigsaw puzzles into their life. Along with craft, they can learn some moral values as well. While placing the right puzzle pieces in the right place, you can tell stories regarding the cartoon character and connect them with the kids' lives. Like, while finishing the Lion King jigsaw puzzle, you can teach them about bravery, leadership, and the father-son bond. Similarly, while finishing the Spiderman Jigsaw Puzzle, you can teach them about humanity, superpowers, and self-confidence. You can also guide them about right and wrong in an easy manner. It will be a very fun and learning experience for them.
Final Words:
Introducing jigsaw puzzles in a child’s life is not difficult. You have to use the right methods to make them like jigsaw puzzles. The right methods can help your child experience an effective and efficient growth journey. Puzzles can easily be introduced to the whole family in ways that arouse curiosity and excitement by beginning small, patiently, and celebrating progress. Most importantly, puzzles offer children the opportunity to recognise that every obstacle, i.e, every piece, has a place and fits into a greater picture.