8 Benefits of Wooden Puzzles for Kids

There’s no question that wooden puzzles are a crucial learning tool that can be used for children to help enhance their development. From animal jigsaw puzzles, to puzzles featuring landscapes, space and more, you will find countless puzzle options to entertain and provide a learning opportunity for kids.

The fact is, any puzzle can provide benefits, and it’s best to start small children with simple puzzles so they can learn what to do, without becoming frustrated. As they master easy puzzles, they can begin trying more difficult ones, with more pieces and complex designs.

Find out more about the specific learning benefits offered by puzzles for kids, below:

1. Puzzles Serve as a Self-Correcting Learning Tool

When your child tries to put together a puzzle, they are only going to succeed when they find the proper place for each, individual piece. The actual act of manipulating each piece, testing and turning it to see if it fits, is how children learn essential problem solving and critical thinking skills.

2. Language Skills

Puzzles provide your children the opportunity to develop quite a few language skills. When a child requests a certain piece, they will often have to describe what they need or what they are looking for.

For example, a blue bumpy piece, or a round piece. Many puzzles are used when working with Autistic children who have delayed speech abilities. It’s a tool that encourages them to speak while letting them have fun.

3. Math Skills

There are several math concepts that puzzles can teach children, too. When working with a puzzle, children will learn how to organize and categorize pieces. They will also learn how to classify the pieces, while labeling them according to the type of piece, colors included, etc.

4. Hand-Eye Coordination

A wooden puzzle will also help a child develop their hand-eye coordination. The ability to coordinate what the hands do, mind wants to do and what the eyes see takes a large amount of practice. Puzzles are a great way to practice this skill, all while encouraging independence.

5. Fine Motor Ability

In addition to hand-eye coordination mentioned above, puzzles can also help children develop their fine motor abilities. Children need to develop strength in their finger’s muscles, so they can grasp and hold onto items of all sizes. If children work on puzzles at young ages, they will have no problem holding a pencil later, when in school.

6. Social Skills

Working on wooden puzzles, or any puzzle for that matter, offers children the ability to expand their social skills and abilities. When children work together to complete a puzzle, they also engage in conversation with others. They work together to develop a plan on how to solve the puzzle and take turns trying to find pieces that fit.

7. Developing Persistence

When working on a puzzle until it is complete, a child is developing a sense of persistence. After the puzzle has been solved, the child also gains a sense of accomplishment for what they just did. This helps to boost their independence, as well as their self-esteem.

8. Family Time

When kids spend time putting together puzzles, it’s something that an entire family can enjoy. As a result, puzzles help parents and kids spend more time together, which is beneficial for everyone.

When it comes to puzzles, they offer many benefits. While some of the benefits offered to kids who play with puzzles are listed here, puzzles are equally beneficial for adults. This makes putting together puzzles a great family activity.