In a time where everyone is increasingly gravitating towards phone and tablet use, tools like jigsaw puzzles offer you and your children a much-needed respite from excessive screen time. The jigsaw puzzle board is more than just a kids’ toy. Not only is it not bound by age, it also possesses a lot of educational value.
If we trace the origin of the jigsaw puzzle as we know it now, it becomes clear that the toy was always meant to be used for learning purposes. It came into existence when a map engraver, John Spilsbury, carved out different countries on one of his maps from wood as an effort to help local school children with their geography lessons.
Nowadays, jigsaw puzzles come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. There are boards that have 3D artwork, and there are ones that are so big they match up to your height. Even the simplest of jigsaw puzzles have immeasurable fun to offer.
And when you complete one successfully, the feeling of satisfaction can hardly be rivaled. In the time you and your children work out how all the puzzle pieces fit together, your brain is stimulated in various important and astounding ways.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Younger kids have premature fine motor skills. This skill is your child’s ability to use the smaller muscles in their hands to perform more precise activities like pinching and buttoning up. When kids take part in piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, the placing of the small jigsaw puzzle pieces in their assigned slots helps them practice and build on their fine motor skills.
IMPROVES SELF-ESTEEM
Young kids need consistent positive reinforcement in order to think nicely about their selves. When your kids complete a jigsaw puzzle, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel capable of doing things independently. When you also encourage and praise your kids every time they get something right along the way, it further adds to their self-esteem little by little.
BUILDS SOCIAL SKILLS
When your kids put a jigsaw puzzle together with more people like their friends or siblings, the benefits multiply. The process then involves lots of opportunities for natural interaction and communication. There may be opportunities for disagreements, to-and-fro exchanging of ideas, and teamwork—all of which result in your children gaining invaluable social experiences without coercion.
Jigsaw puzzles make great birthday gifts for children. They are much-loved tools by parents and educators because of their versatility and make for great alternatives for other hobbies that might not be as beneficial for your children. Order your jigsaw puzzles online now from our expansive collection. Every jigsaw board is intricately crafted and features unique artwork that both you and your kids will love.