I know Preschool Wood Puzzels and Games are good toys. It is easy for the adults to play with them because the human brain has been fully developed which means the memory and other cognitive resources are enhanced as well. Our problem-solving abilities as adults are far more advanced than kids do. At this stage, the vast experience that we have has changed our perception in things in life. We think broader, so as simple as an exercise of fitting the pieces together of the puzzle, makes it a piece of cake.
So, when is the perfect time to give toys like jigsaw puzzles to your kids? A lot of psychologists have studied the cognitive development of the human mind. In every developmental stage, there is a corresponding development in our brain that would allow your kids to achieve a certain task predicted to be fulfilled at that stage they are in. Say for example, your toddlers (ages 1-3) actually need to achieve autonomy. This is greatly reflected on their ability to control their bladder meaning at the end of this stage, they are potty trained. Considering the cognitive aspect at this stage, the child learns the concept of language and symbols and there is a transition from reflex development to sensory motor learning to pre-logical thought.
But in simple terms, when can we give wood jigsaw puzzles to our kids? For puzzles to have educational value for kids, you have to consider the motor abilities of your kids. Jigsaw puzzles are made of small and large pieces. So make sure they know how to pick up objects and far better for them to get interested on puzzles with small pieces, they should have a good pincer grasp at that time.
It is also good to give these toys to our kids when they are able to recognize various shapes and actually able to name a picture. Say for example, when they a picture of a cat it being shown to them, they are able to actually say it is a cat for them. It is also good to give jigsaw puzzles game to them when they are able to understand simple instructions. That way, they know with the toy being given to them and they won’t end up drooling on the pieces.
Kids need not have special training to solve puzzles because these are made for kids to have fun and gain something from it. But to be able to greatly enjoy the full benefits of having a toy, certain abilities of your child need to be present for the toy to have a value for them. You can be surprised on what toys can do for your kids. It is not only a way of entertaining them but they can be good tools in aiding our children develop their potentials.
Always remember to look at the labels of the word puzzles when you buy one. It is good to always read the indications of the toys and make sure that they are appropriate to the age of the kid. That way, the cognitive development of a child in that certain age can be very well complemented with the toys you have given to your kids.
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