Sammy started to develop an affinity for puzzles shortly before he turned 2 years old. I adored watching his chubby hands and fingers grasp the wooden pieces and then focus on placing them in designated spaces. And as soon as the puzzle fit in, Sammy’s face would light up with a smile from ear to ear. And then he would squeal with delight upon his accomplishment. Like many mothers, I would praise him with hugs, kisses, and a variety of congratulatory phrases.
As time went on and Sammy grew older, I was strategic in the types of puzzles I purchased for him to play with and solve. I wanted to expose him to a variety of puzzle styles that were age appropriate, of interest to him, motivational, and also challenging without a huge level of frustration. Moreover, I appreciated how Sammy had experiences solving puzzles when we visited our local library on a regular basis.
Currently, when researching and buying puzzles, I make sure to search for ones that feature images of children and adults that look like and motivate Sammy. Representation matters and is critical for young Black and Brown children. It is important that they see images of themselves on a daily basis in children’s literature, educational roles, puzzles, games, art, posters, and more. It is also essential that schools, child development centers, libraries, after school centers, recreational centers and more, do the same for ALL children by exposing them to our beautiful and diverse world.
PUZZLE HUDDLE is Remarkable!
My sister Beth introduced me to Puzzle Huddle, a Black owned puzzle company. They have a wide collection of diversity engrossed jigsaw puzzles that feature professions, religions, culture, fraternities, sororities, and more. Sammy’s home collection includes the following Puzzle Huddle Puzzles: Astronaut, Doctor, Noah’s Ark, Firefighter, Scientist, Chef, and Airman.
Puzzles have several educational benefits for toddlers and young children. As I homeschool Sammy, I am intentional about his learning being play-based with his developmental needs being met. Earlier, I talked about Sammy’s chubby hands and fingers grasping the wooden puzzle pieces to place in their designated parts. Many skills are developed when children play with puzzles regardless of age. As Sammy picks up each puzzle piece, he uses his fine-motor skills by operating and coordinating his small muscles to make movements. His hands and eyes are working in unison and both pacing and precision are key. Spatial awareness is demonstrated as Sammy exhibits problem-solving skills in deciphering which puzzle piece fits where. He displays this skill by using his knowledge of shapes and determining how the shapes of puzzle pieces fit together.
Additional educational gains of toddlers and children playing with and solving puzzles include the exclusive attention that they exhibit to the task at hand. This also increases with time for every child. Observing Sammy concentrate on placing each puzzle piece into a space is fascinating. In doing so, he is operating his memory and problem solving skills. I love the conversations he and I have at times as he uses language to communicate and engage with me. We don’t always talk while he’s focusing on his puzzles. There are times when I know to initiate a conversation about the subject of the puzzle and times when I get a sense that he wants silence as he’s thinking. Furthermore, his confidence and self-esteem are growing and is obvious as he shares his triumphs and pride with me.
It is important that parents, caregivers, educators, etc. understand and appreciate that every child has his/her/their abilities, talents, and gifts, and that research-based milestones do not speak for every child. For example, some 4 year old children may spend up to 20 minutes working on a puzzle while others engage longer. Sammy started solving 100 piece puzzles when he was 4, and would often spend 2-3 hours with small breaks in between working on it and/or multiple ones. However, he was introduced to puzzles when he was almost 2 years old and presently, works on them multiple times a week. it is common for Sammy to often have a Puzzlethon and pull out every puzzle. He will then spend hours having fun solving them until he decides he wants to put them away.
Recently, Sammy and I started finding fun puzzle songs on YouTube to listen and sing along with as he solves puzzles. Other times, he wants silence or soft instrumental music playing in the background.
So for National Puzzle Day which was January 29th, I thought I would blog about the pleasures of puzzles and how they are delightful, challenging, educational, and fun!
Oh! One more thing…
This past Christmas, Sammy’s MiMi Ma gave him a puzzle of an image of our family walking through beautiful Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut.
It has 252 pieces! WOW!
Let’s just say…Sammy will be solving this
one. puzzle. piece. at. a. time.
Love, love “Sammy the Scientist” and all the puzzle pics! 😉
Thank you so much Carol! I truly appreciate your kind words!
So Glad Sammy loves to puzzle! He has such Great focus at such a young age. Happy National Puzzle Day Sammy!
Thank you Gloria! Today he wanted to start on the 252 piece puzzle!! Sammy impresses me everyday! LOL
Great blog! I still enjoy puzzles, jigsaw, sudoku and crossword.