Puzzle Play
Introduction
Puzzles do so much more than fill time on a rainy day. They help children learn to focus, problem-solve, and keep trying even when something feels tricky. Each time your child fits a piece in place, they’re practicing patience, attention to detail, and perseverance—skills that are essential for kindergarten success. Puzzles are an easy, screen-free way to help children build the focus, resilience, and fine motor strength needed for kindergarten. Keep a few different puzzles on hand and make it a regular family activity! As children move past the simple knob puzzles, it’s important to keep challenging their growing minds and hands with puzzles that have more pieces.
Gather Materials
- A quiet space to work
- One or more puzzles:
- For preschoolers: 35–60 pieces
- For older children: up to 100 pieces
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
- Choose the right puzzle.
Pick a puzzle with an image your child loves (animals, cars, favorite characters). Start with around 35 pieces and move up as they gain confidence. - Begin by finding edge and corner pieces.
- Encourage your child to notice shapes and colors that fit together.
- Offer gentle support, but let them take the lead when possible.
- Celebrate small victories along the way.
- Talk about the experience. When the puzzle is complete, take a moment to admire the finished picture. Point out the effort it took to get there: “You kept trying even when it was hard.”
- Keep building.
As your child becomes more confident, move up to puzzles with more pieces. You’ll see their focus, patience, and problem solving grow with each one.
If you'd like to see the benefits of puzzles in action, join our Early Math Counts webpage and see all the learning going on in that little brain of a young child!