Puzzles: An Activity Worth Rediscovery

The answer differs according to age. 

A small child might enjoy a simple puzzle, with just a few pieces that set into a board.  These can augment teaching, since the pieces might be different colors, or represent different items such as shirt, shoes, and so or, or different vegetables.  When the child works with such a puzzle a parent might ask for a certain color, or the parent might describe the piece with a word.  This builds vocabulary.  And, these simple puzzles can be completed by placing the pieces in any order since each has its own space.  There is no need to build to a point of being able to place a certain piece.

Later, a larger puzzle helps with recognizing how pieces fit together by examining both the image on the piece and the shape of the piece. 

If a child is building the puzzle it might have favorite characters featured.  Keeping interest up is important.

Another advantage of building puzzles is the activity can be completed by more than one person.  Working together, asking for a certain color piece, and so or is important in developing teamwork.  I admit we had working as a group easier since I had six siblings, so we could set a partially completed puzzle aside and resume later. 

After going past puzzles that have their own board, and getting to larger puzzles that might not be finished in a day, have a board upon which to keep the partially completed puzzle intact. 

One problem here is that the board should be only for puzzles.  When I was a child my puzzle board was my checker board, which then prevented its use for playing checkers while it held a puzzle.

Adults can use puzzles as a defense against boredom.  Once absorbed into the puzzle building the person has a purpose. 

Another positive is puzzles engage the mind.  They can help keep the mind active.  This is more important as we age.

Adults often undertake larger puzzles, or at least those with many pieces. 

Zazzle offers puzzles with different numbers of pieces.  Some are simple, others more complex.  These are a great source of entertainment, even if you thought you were running out of possibilities from other sources.

This article contains links to affiliate programs and Adsense advertising.  These must use cookies to allow for proper crediting. As a Zazzle, a Viglink, and an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The introduction image is our own Zazzle product using our own image.