--- title: Puzzle Play description: At Scholar's Choice, we believe Puzzles are a key resource in educating developing young children from kindergarten, toddlers, pre-school and even adults. image: https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image-puzzle.jpg --- ![Mobile Trigger](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/x5I8L67bQQKjlQqnXTsO3g.png) [The Power of Play by Scholar's Choice](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/dot.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) ![Search Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/search-icon-1.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) ![Close Btn](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) - [Scholar's Choice](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/) - [Home](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog) ### Category - [At Home (51)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/at-home) - [Classroom (36)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/classroom) - [Childcare (34)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/childcare) ![Mobile Trigger](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/x5I8L67bQQKjlQqnXTsO3g.png) ![Close Btn](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/dot.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) ![Search Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/search-icon-1.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/colse-icon.png) ![Dot Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/dot.png) ![](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image-puzzle.jpg) Jan 16 # Puzzle Play [Puzzles](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/puzzles), [Scholar's Choice](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/scholars-choice) At [Scholar’s Choice,](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys.html) we utilize an innovative and inspiring approach to children's learning; we call this the [Playful Learning Approach](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/playful-learning-approach) (PLA). The PLA has 5 main principles, one of these key principles is collaborative play. Collaborative play teaches children to solve problems by working together, whether it may be with other children or adults, to reach a common goal. [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)are a great educational tool to promote collaborative play. [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)can teach children many skills including math and language skills.  It can teach them about sizes, colours, shapes, and how to match. [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)also teach children essential social skills, such as how to be kind and work well with others. Having children work together on a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)encourages them to talk to one another, promoting communication.  It encourages them to share and take turns, promoting kindness and positive social interactions. [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)can even allow for the understanding of negative emotions, such as frustration and failure.  It is important that children receive praise and positive reinforcement during [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)play, as feelings of accomplishment are so important during a child’s development. ![HTG-2017-Puzzles](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/HTG-2017-Puzzles.jpg?width=4928&name=HTG-2017-Puzzles.jpg) Completing a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)can also help develop a child’s fine motor skills.  Activities that develop fine motor skills are especially important at a young age but can be exceptionally refined up until the ages of 5-7.  The pincher grasp, an action commonly used while completing a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html), is important when children learn to write. Children who start to write by hand at a younger age have shown to have a greater imagination than children who do not possess this skill. **The right puzzle for your child’s age** Understanding the benefits of [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html), you may be asking yourself, what is the right [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html) for my child’s age? **Toddlers** Toddlers will enjoy large piece wooden [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html), which may contain numbers or words. Having an interactive aspect allows children to learn math or language skills as they play. Adding a sensory element such as sound presents an extra dimension to keep children engaged. Incorporating as many senses as possible is important to promote development as described through the PLA. [Chunky Clock Puzzle by Hape](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/wooden-puzzles/chunky-clock-puzzle-by-hape.html) [Jumbo ABC Uppercase Chunky Puzzle by Melissa & Doug](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/wooden-puzzles/jumbo-abc-chunky-puzzle-melissa-doug.html) [Shapes Chunky Wood Puzzle by Melissa & Doug](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/wooden-puzzles/shapes-chunky-wood-puzzle-melissa-doug.html) **Children aged 3-5 (Preschool)** Children at pre-school age should be given [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)of up to 12 pieces, or large floor [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)that are themed such as animals or vehicles. Doing this gives an extra element of learning such as association and pairing. This will keep children of this age engaged and encourage language as they play by associating an image to a word. [Farm Sound Puzzle by Melissa & Doug](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/wooden-puzzles/farm-sound-puzzle-by-melissa-doug.html) [Baby Shark Chunky Wood Sound Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/wooden-puzzles/baby-shark-chunky-wood-sound-puzzle.html) [Suuuper Size Puzzle Animal Match by Banana Panda](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/floor-puzzles/suuuper-size-puzzle-animal-match-by-banana-panda.html)   ![rocket-puzzle-1 (1)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/rocket-puzzle-1%20(1).jpg?width=2246&name=rocket-puzzle-1%20(1).jpg) **Children aged 4-6 (Preschool)** As children hit the ages of 4-6, start to encourage them to complete [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)of up to 48 pieces or larger floor [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html). At this age children will still be developing fine motor, cognitive and social skills, assistance from a caregiver or family member should be available if the child needs or requests it. Make sure the child is given plenty of opportunities to problem solve by themselves before offering assistance. [Day at the Museum Zoo 48 piece Puzzle by Crocodile Creek](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/50-pc-puzzles-and-under/day-at-the-museum-zoo-48-pc-puzzle-by-crocodile-creek.html) [Ravensburger Toy Story 4 In It Together 3x49 piece Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/50-pc-puzzles-and-under/ravensburger-toy-story-4-in-it-together-3x49-pc-puzzle.html) [Ravensburger Frozen 2 2x24 piece Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/50-pc-puzzles-and-under/ravensburger-frozen-2-2x24-pc-puzzle.html) **Children of School Age** [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html) with more pieces will interest children as they hit school age. The challenge of completing more complex [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)will keep children engaged and will help develop memory, retention and further their problem-solving skills. If children begin to master these [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html), add some difficulty by getting them to complete a 3D [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html). [World Cities 200 piece Puzzle & Poster by Crocodile Creek](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/100-499-pc-puzzles/world-cities-200-pc-puzzle-poster-by-crocodile-creek.html) [Ravensburger Shaped Mickey 945 piece Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/500-999-pc-puzzles/ravensburger-shaped-mickey-945-pc-puzzle.html) [Ravensburger Zebra Challenge 500 piece Challenge Series Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/500-999-pc-puzzles/ravensburger-zebra-challenge-500-pc-challenge-series-puzzle.html) ![HTG-Puzzles (1) (1)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/HTG-Puzzles%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=1080&name=HTG-Puzzles%20(1)%20(1).jpg) **Puzzles for Adults** [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)are not just for children. A study by Ipos showed that 48% of [adults enjoyed puzzling at least once a year](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/ravensburger-americans-enjoy-puzzling). Collaborative puzzling as a family can encourage teamwork, collaborative play, and kindness. [Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)time also allows families to interact and bond with one another as they work as a team. Once a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)is completed, there are many things that can be done; Break up the [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html), complete the [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)again but time yourself and try to beat your previous record, get a new [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)that could be harder or have more pieces, or preserve the [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)and frame it with [puzzle glue](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/puzzle-storage-and-accessories/ravensburger-200-ml-puzzle-permanent-conserver.html). [Ravensburger Star Wars Challenge 1000 piece Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/1000-pc-puzzles/ravensburger-star-wars-challenge-1000-pc-puzzle.html) [Ravensburger Aladdin 1000 piece Puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/ravensburger-aladdin-1000-pc-puzzle.html) [Ravensburger Winter Moose 1000 piece](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles/1000-pc-puzzles/ravensburger-winter-moose-1000-pc.html) **How puzzles can help with cognitive impairment** Longitudinal studies on cognitively challenging activities such as [Puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)have shown that; senior citizens that actively engage in [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)play have a delayed cognitive disease onset against people who do not cognitively challenge their brains on a regular basis, showing [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)are for ALL AGES. Begin your child’s [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)experiences by visiting your local SC Store. Each store has a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)table where children and parents can complete a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)in-store, doing this will help get children initially engaged and will help with their learning. [Scholar’s Choice](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys.html)offers a large range of different [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)for all ages, there is a [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html)for everyone. [Scholar’s Choice](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys.html) staff will always be on hand to make sure you and your children get the right [puzzle](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html). It is never too early (or too late) to start building [puzzles](https://www.scholarschoice.ca/sc-toys/category/puzzles.html). ### [Scholars Choice](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/author/scholars-choice) [Puzzles](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/puzzles), [Scholar's Choice](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/tag/scholars-choice) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Follow Us ### Instagram [@scholarschoice](https://www.instagram.com/scholarschoice/) ## [![Next Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/arrow-pre.png) ![Help Children Discover Kindness](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-09T123603.667.png) Help Children Discover Kindness](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/why-is-teaching-children-about-kindness-important) ## [![Prev Icon](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Scholars_Choice_January2018/images/arrow-next.png) ![100 Days Smarter with 100 Teaching ideas](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-09T123603.667.png) 100 Days Smarter with 100 Teaching ideas](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/100-day) ### Related Posts [![Storytime](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/Summer%20Reading_600x200-01.png)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/storytime-reading) Jul 21 ## [Storytime](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/storytime-reading) [![Create Your Own Cardboard Tangram Puzzle](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(67).png)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/create-your-own-puzzle) Jul 15 ## [Create Your Own Cardboard Tangram Puzzle](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/create-your-own-puzzle) [![5 Ways Puzzles Can Help Activate Your Children's Brain Power](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/hubfs/5%20Reasons%20Why%20Puzzles%20are%20Beneficial%20for%20Children%20AND%20Adults%20(4).png)](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/puzzles-for-everyone) Jul 08 ## [5 Ways Puzzles Can Help Activate Your Children's Brain Power](https://info.scholarschoice.ca/blog/puzzles-for-everyone) ### Follow Us