We
have always been drawn to puzzles as an entertaining and developmental tool. We
have now reached a level of competence we never expected.
Primarily
they support skills building:
-Increased
attention span.
-Problem
solving.
-Persistence.
-Confidence.
-Goal
setting/achievement.
-Coordination.
We
have also used them as a teaching tool for early child development:
-Shapes
puzzles.
-Number/alphabet
puzzles.
-Language
building.
In
the last several years we found ourselves both catching up to their skills
level and our commitment to providing challenges.
It
was obvious we needed to invest in larger and more complex puzzles because the
children were becoming bored with what was available.
So
I began buying 100 piece puzzles (this is for three and four year olds).
Initially they immediately decided to begin with two children sitting across
from each other at a small table to try and figure out a successful process.
They
decided that dividing up the picture in half, it made the most sense and their
goal was to finally join the two sections.
In
adding a social element to the process they were able to implement an approach
that was successful as well as social.
I
found myself searching for more challenges and difficult puzzles as they became
more skilled.
We
are now at 150 piece puzzles and I am amazed at how quickly and successfully
they have accomplished every challenge.
Some
of the things we discovered by observing and reserving suggestions:
1.
They emptied the
content of the box on the table.
2.
Set up a visual to
refer to.
3.
Divided the picture
in half.
4.
Began the process
by matching pieces that they observed would complete each other. Sometimes they
had several of these before any of them went together.
5.
They never
approached the task by forming the border as is a common approach.
6.
Since we were
observing and not interfering we found that this approach was applied all the
time and was incredibly successful.
7.
Their creative side
was dominating at all times rather than their structured side.
Understanding
that these were children who were already successful with less demanding
puzzles, it served everyone best by allowing them to arrive at their own
solutions.
Fortunately
for all involved, this is the approach we use as a developmental strategy and
it is always incredibly rewarding for everyone.
Hope
this experience can benefit everyone.
Good
luck!
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