NSW Creative Kids Vouchers allow you to use your voucher to purchase a free jigsaw puzzle! Puzzles are a great way to engage your brain with a little exercise. The importance of puzzle creation is well-documented, especially in kids, with studies showing that they are highly educational, particularly in the area of mathematics, and provide the much-needed development support for children. The importance of puzzles is also underlined by the fact that it has its own day – January 29, National Puzzle Day. Today we are going to explore what children learn from puzzle creation and the NSW Creative Kids Vouchers program which can offer a free $100 voucher to your child to purchase a personalised puzzle!

 

Board Puzzles

Board game puzzles include the movement of counters or pieces around a board. The board usually consists of larger pieces that are suitable for preschoolers and toddlers. They involve singles pieces that must be moved and fit into a single space on the board. Board game puzzle creation can help kids learn things like animals, shapes, colours, and letters. Some even feature manipulations such as laces, locks, and latches. Board puzzle creation is also a fun way to engage your kids and encourages the development of their imagination and creativity. 

 

Game Puzzles 

Today you can find a wide range of games that involves challenging puzzles for all ages, not just for kids. Some of the most popular game puzzles include Sudoku, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Yahtzee, and Rubik’s cube. Game puzzles allow your kid to learn quick-thinking and help them develop their mind. Studies have found that children can benefit significantly from their abstract reasoning when playing game puzzles. This is because the game allows children to ask questions like what and where. A study by Cambridge University discovered that game puzzles are great tools for teaching kids science and mathematics. 

 

Logic Puzzles 

As with game puzzles, logic puzzles also work the brains of your children mathematically. Examples of logic puzzles are checkers, chess, and math story puzzles, and usually suitable for older kids. You can use logic puzzles on preschoolers using games like Lego and Connect Four. Research has proved that at any age, children’s brains will do much better in the long run when they are exposed to innovative activities such as logic puzzles. However, before exposing your kid to logic games, make sure the problem is graded in terms of difficulty level since not all kids puzzles are the same when it comes to age. 

 

Jigsaw Puzzles 

Jigsaw puzzles are classic toys that many usually think of whenever they hear the term ‘puzzle’. This type of kids puzzle involves fitting puzzle pieces together to form a picture using between 8 and 1,000 small pieces. Jigsaw is usually extremely fun, especially if it involves a group of children. Preschoolers tend to love this puzzle and with the technological advancement, it is even easier since it can be done easily through the internet at no cost. Children who play jigsaw have been found to improve the generation of novel neuron connections and increased thought processes and mental speed.

 

Crossword Puzzles 

These are usually ideal for older kids since they are usually more effective when worked on independently. Crossword puzzles tend to involve a two-step thought process – starting with thinking about the correct answer and then spelling it correctly. These types of puzzles are common in magazines and newspapers, though those featured in these formats are usually more advanced and appropriate for adults. Crossword puzzles give kids satisfaction and confidence when they can manage to solve even a single puzzle.

 

Word Search 

Word searches have been found to keep the brain active since the process involves looking for the clue in different letters in order to find an appropriate word. It helps sharpen the reasoning skills and in some instances, even improves brain function. Word search is like a scavenger hunt but for words and letters and is recommended for kids who understand letters but are yet to fully know how to spell. The main idea behind this puzzle is to match the letter in order to form words. Incorporating word puzzles into your daily routine is simple since you just need to lay the puzzle on a table and you are good to go. Involve your kids during the puzzle and pay attention to the skills your children work on while solving the puzzles. 

 

Summary of skills children can learn from puzzle creation 

When creating puzzles, children will work on the following skills in one way or the other, so as a parent or teacher, it is important that you observe the instances in which these skills are worked on. 

 

Cognitive Skills 

Puzzle creation can help children understand the importance of step-by-step in solving problems. Letter, spatial, and colour awareness are skills that develop when kids play with puzzles. Memory exercise is also developed when the child tries to recall which pieces, words, or letters have been tried but failed. 

 

Hands-Eye Coordination 

This involves creating a link between visual and hand responses when playing puzzles. Learning pieces that fit and those that don’t require adjustment of hands. 

 

Final word 

There is a great deal of learning for kids when a puzzle is involved. The benefit of puzzle creation is not just a myth, it is something that has been proven and backed by science. While most puzzles can be accessed for free online or in magazines and newspapers, some may require a small fee. But with the creative kids vouchers, there is no reason why you shouldn’t expose your child to a wide range of puzzles and problem-solving exercises. Creating kids personalised gifts is a fun and interactive way to expand the mind and keeps kids entertained for hours.