Pumpkins start with the letter “p”. So do puzzles. Puzzles are a terrific tool for several kindergarten readiness learning skills. Children learn to match the shapes of the pieces to the places where they fit and to look at the pictures and check where they go. Fine motor coordination is needed as kids manipulate and handle the pieces. They learn lots of new vocabulary, for example, twist, turn, fit, wiggle, corner, bumps, match, edge, and more. Lots of language is needed such as “does that piece go there? Where does it fit?” etc. Plus, there’s noticing small details and visual discrimination. As they work kids are focusing and expanding attention span. These are only a few of the readiness for kindergarten skills that come into play.
Puzzles with only a few pieces and knobs are good for very young munchkins to start with. As they learn and practice, kids can do puzzles with more pieces and choices. No matter their age they enjoy doing them over and over again as they refine their skills. Wood or cardboard puzzles are very sturdy and can even be used for more than one generation! Did you have a favorite puzzle?