Ideas for Using Puzzles With Kids

Learning Activities

• You can purchase jigsaw puzzles that are specifically tailored to preschool and kindergarten children. The puzzles convey simple lessons, such as body parts, animal names, letters of the alphabet and colors. Matching the puzzle piece with the correct object or concept on the board helps the child to retain the information.

Decorative Ideas

• Jigsaw puzzles can become lasting pieces of artwork that you can use to decorate a child's room. You can use a special glue that will adhere the puzzle pieces together, allowing you to frame the puzzle and hang it up to display.

Arts and Crafts

• Puzzle pieces can be used in art projects. You can use them to create unique earrings and bracelets, or glue them onto handbags and totes. You can collect puzzle pieces from different puzzle sets and mix and match the colors to create mosaic images; for example, an outdoor scene or a self-portrait.

Make Your Own Puzzles

• You can create your own puzzles using online resources. You can take a photograph of the child or any other image and transform it into a puzzle they can put together online. This way, the puzzle is completely customizable and can be tailored to a child's specific interests.