Children aged 2 to 5 years old enjoy exploring their environment. As a result, choosing preschools with activities incorporating play and interactive learning can support their development. For example, one activity that many preschools use to help children’s development is playing with puzzles. Although these educational toys contain simple shapes and sizes, they provide kids with opportunities to test their problem-solving skills. Here are additional reasons why you should let your kid do puzzles more.

What Are the Advantages of Puzzles?

1. Boost Concentration Skills 

Preschoolers have an average attention span of 12 minutes. Unfortunately, most 3-year-olds can only concentrate on one activity for less than nine minutes, and a 5-year-old can focus on one for about 15. As a result, allowing them to do age-appropriate puzzles increases their attention span. In addition, this activity piques their curiosity and allows them to focus on completing a task without distractions. For example, consider at least 20-piece jigsaw puzzles with larger pieces for 3-year-olds to provide a challenge without frustrating them. If your kid is older than 3, try construction puzzles with 50 pieces to boost their patience. 

2. Improve Spatial Awareness 

Spatial awareness helps kids navigate their surroundings. As a result, doing puzzles where they try to fit a certain piece into a blank space allows them to develop a perception of objects and how to move around them. Additionally, kids who grow up doing puzzles have better spatial reasoning, or the ability to visualize objects in three dimensions. This can help them in making art and playing sports, as well as in their careers later in life.

3. Better Self-Esteem 

Aside from aiding mental development, completing a puzzle gives children a sense of accomplishment. This helps them build trust in their abilities without relying on others. However, most kids who are new to doing puzzles may need help at first to complete one. Parents and preschool educators support children by offering them words of encouragement or showing them how to complete the puzzle before letting them do it at their own pace. Lastly, simple praise after a child completes one develops their confidence.

If you’re looking for a child care provider to help your kid reach their full potential, contact A Rising Star Children’s Center in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. For over 17 years, this preschool has provided a full range of programs to support a child’s development, from infancy to preschool. Additionally, they offer before- and after-school programs, including outdoor play with recreational and educational activities. Call (914) 862-4283 today with questions, or learn more about their early childhood learning services online.