Learning with puzzles:
Puzzles help children learn to solve problems. By trying several ways to fit a puzzle piece in place, they are learning the value of flexible thinking, and of persistence. Their fine motor skills are sharpened by manipulating the pieces and fitting them in their proper space. Putting together a puzzle helps children actively practice important skills such as inference, deductive reasoning, and the notion that whole objects are generally made up of parts.
Large-piece puzzles (wood or heavy cardboard):
These toys work well for the younger pre-schooler, providing practice with eye/hand coordination, fine motor skills, and beginning experience in problem solving. Toddlers learn that if a piece doesn't fit one way, it may fit another and ultimately will fit somewhere if they keep trying.
Smaller-piece puzzles:
These will continue developing the previous concepts, but older pre-schoolers will sharpen their skills by learning to look for more details in exploring where the pieces go. Are there colors that go together? Does part of the puzzle picture appear on one piece and have its match on another? Can the edges of the puzzle help give it form? These are the beginnings of developing strategies for accomplishing a task, which is a crucial part of effective learning. (2)
