Solving puzzles is like solving life’s problems - one piece at a time. They are considered to be a complete workout of the brain. Do not believe us? Well, the benefits of puzzles for kids are plenty as they involve both sides of the brain. The left side of the brain processes information one step at a time and then uses its logic and reasoning sensibilities to solve the problem that lies in front of it and take an action or decision. At the same time, the right side of the brain is associated with understanding and interpreting visual information and making decisions based on feelings and instincts rather than logic. Wow!
No wonder adults and kids are hooked on puzzles and look forward to the mental workout. Introducing children to the realm of puzzle activities benefits their overall development. Floor puzzles for kids, with their large pieces and vibrant illustrations, serve as valuable tools for cognitive and emotional development. Please continue to read as we break down the many benefits of floor-based puzzles for kids.
Cognitive Benefits Of Floor Puzzles
If you are worried about how to solve floor-based puzzles, will it be too complicated for kids? Stressed that you would be putting too much pressure on a young, tender child’s mind early on? Do not worry. There are puzzle sets and puzzle floor mats catering to various age groups, ensuring they never feel pressured and enjoy this brain-boosting session immensely.
1. Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills
When children are engrossed in solving a puzzle, both sides of their brains work in sync, creating a plan, sorting the pieces and matching the pieces. It requires them to think critically about how they would solve the challenge that lies in front of them. Adopt hit-and-trial methods and continue till the puzzle is complete. Well! Pretty similar to solving problems that arise in every situation of life.
2. Boosting Memory And Concentration
A piece may fit magically or may not. With every attempt to complete a puzzle, children are invariably familiarised with different pieces, shapes, and sizes, and they capture the mental image of how it all fits together in the end. This not only enhances their memory but allows kids to build greater attention to detail, concentrate and develop patience. All of which are essential life skills that a child would need throughout his journey of life.
3. Developing Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
Making an attempt to grasp and pick a piece, then try to match it and finally fit the many pieces together of a floor puzzle one by one, helps develop children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
4. Promoting Spatial Awareness and Visual Perception
As kids work on puzzles, their eyes become trained to notice smaller differences in colour and shape. They promote visual perception and help kids identify patterns, thus offering a multitude of cognitive development and laying the foundation for future learning and success.
Explore Shumee’s exclusive range of floor puzzles for kids catering to various child age groups to impact their development in a fun and engaging way.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Floor Puzzles
Apart from the cognitive and skill developmental benefits, puzzles benefit in emotional and social aspects as well. Let us take a look at some of the puzzle benefits for kids.
1. Building Patience and Persistence
Puzzles are a great combination of fun and learning. When you buy a puzzle for a 2-year-old child, or any age group for that matter, you are putting forward a challenge, which, once completed, would be a rewarding experience. Solving a puzzle requires patience, persistence and focus.
2. Fostering Independence and Confidence
As children fit the right pieces of a puzzle, they experience a great sense of achievement, which enhances their confidence and elevates their mood. Puzzles foster delayed gratification and a positive attitude towards problem-solving and hard work.
3. Encouraging Teamwork and Cooperation
Getting kids to work on puzzles together is a great way to help them improve their social skills. It would require them to work together in harmony, communicate their ideas and develop patience to listen to others’ insights, resolve any conflicts and collaborate to find solutions together. These are great life skills, which would get them future ready.
4. Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief
A kid has had a difficult day at school or a nonsensical squabble with someone, or simply wants a break from too much studying. Well, a puzzle is a great way to channel those energies and refresh their minds. A short puzzle break offers great stress relief and helps to improve focus on tasks at hand and increase productivity.
Puzzles offer endless hours of fun and great benefits. As children complete a puzzle, either individually or together, it helps create a sense of accomplishment and strengthens bonds.
Types Of Floor Puzzles And Age-Appropriate Options From Shumee
Let us now take a look at our collection of floor puzzles for different age groups.
Puzzles for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
1. Jungle Themed Jumbo Floor Puzzle
This set of puzzles for 2 year olds and above, is a fun and engaging way to introduce animals and the alphabet and develop kids’ basic gross and fine motor skills. Playing our jungle themed animal puzzle would help in their cognitive growth and enable social interaction.
2. Farm Jumbo Floor Puzzle
The vibrant illustrations and chunky pieces of this farm animal puzzle introduce them to the early concepts of maths and help them develop their critical and cognitive thinking ability and fine motor skills. These sets of puzzles for 3 years and above are a great way to channel their curious minds and make learning fun and engaging.
3. Solar System Snap Cards With 52 Cards
This solar system snap card set is a great way to introduce your child to the magical world of space and puzzles for 4 year olds. It helps to spark their curiosity and develop their vocabulary, cognitive skills and social interaction, making it a great return gift for kids.
Puzzles for Preschoolers (Ages 4-6)
1. Indiascape Learning Set - Memory Cards, Activity Book, and Puzzle
Shumee’s India Map puzzle set will encourage kids to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity in a fascinating manner? They will embark on an educational journey, learning about India’s landscapes, geography and interesting facts in a captivating manner.
2. Indiascape Memory Card Set With 20 Cards
Want to teach your child about India’s rich culture and heritage. This Indiascape card game set for kids is your answer. It will help children explore India’s fascinating symbols, fruits, animals, etc and many interesting facts in a fun and engaging way.
Puzzles for Older Kids (Ages 6+)
1. Take Me Home - Space Adventure Board Game
This fun and interesting space adventure board game for kids will take your child on an educational and mystical world of outer space - where kids will learn some basic and interesting astronomical concepts.
2. Wooden Ninjaki Balance Toy Set For Stacking Fun
If you are looking for a wooden toy for kids as a gift for a 5-year-old, look no further than the Ninjaki balance game. It is a fun and educational toy that helps children develop problem-solving abilities and fine motor skills and enhances their creativity and concentration levels.
3.Wooden Ramayana Play Set - Peg Dolls, Picture Book, Memory Cards & Snap Cards
This Ramayana game set is a great way to teach your child about this rich mythological tale, which offers a delightful blend of education, learning and entertainment.
How to Choose the Right Floor Puzzle for Your Child
While choosing a puzzle set for your child or as a gift for any child, make a selection based on the age, interests and skill level. It is best to opt for informative, educational puzzles that are made of high-quality, durable materials and ignite their curiosity and passion. By investing in puzzles, you are productively channelling their energies and teaching them many valuable lifelong lessons in a fun and creative way.
Integrating Floor Puzzles Into Daily Playtime
This amazing game set full of entertainment, challenge and immense learning can be easily integrated into a child’s daily routine. It is a great way to relax and spend quality time as a family over the weekends. Along with puzzles, you can also look at adding other educational elements like books, arts and crafts kits and board games to create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.