Learning in Families Together (LIFT)
Did you know puzzles help teach children many essential life skills. Here’s what they help to develop;
| 1. Concentration | 7. Problem solving skills |
| 2. Spatial awareness | 8. Language |
| 3. Shape recognition | 9. Memory |
| 4. Topic specific knowledge | 10. Self esteem |
| 5. Fine motor skills | 11. Social skills |
| 6. Hand-eye coordination |
Some tips on what sorts of puzzles to buy for your child/children;
- 6-12 months- muffin tin with household objects or knob puzzles with 3-5 pieces
- 1-2 year olds- knobbed puzzles with 3-8 pieces
- 3-5 year olds- 16-48 piece puzzle with large pieces, such as floor puzzles
- 5-8 year olds- start with 80-125 piece puzzles and then move to 180 piece (fairly small pieces)
- 8-11 year olds- 200 pieces are a good start
Some tips on how to keep puzzles organised;
Store puzzle boards and pieces in a snap lock bag so it is all stored together.
Show young children how to do one puzzle at a time and then how to put it back on the shelf, in a basket/bag etc. before attempting another one.
