The younger the child, the more she will benefit from large, recognizable pieces to help her complete a picture. Good puzzles may show pictures of food, cars and trucks, animals, boys and girls, nursery rhymes and scenes from story books. Young children better understand figures made of simple shapes like circles, triangles and squares. Watch for missing pieces or damage to puzzles. Puzzles should offer a challenge to children, but they should also be solvable.
Nothing is more frustrating to a child than trying to complete a puzzle with a missing piece.
Puzzles can provide formal learning experiences. Teachers may work closely with children to help them learn to solve problems through puzzles. Puzzles also help teachers observe children and assess their development. While children work alone or in groups, teachers can monitor the way they speak, move, and concentrate. A pathetically neglected, commonly available resource.