Did you know, our new partners Just Jigsaws Ltd. are one of the few, if not last remaining handmade wooden jigsaw companies based in the UK? In fact, they’re right on our doorstep in Derbyshire, Midlands.
Having recently opened their first online store and taken out one of our premium packages here on MidlandsHour.co.uk. Just Jigsaws Ltd. shares why jigsaws have remained a firm favourite among children’s play and learning for so long and why they could just be the missing piece to your lockdown entertainment and routines!
Puzzles help to develop a whole range of core skills that little ones carry with them forever. They’re also an entertaining and fun way to learn about a range of educational topics.
- Problem-solving – You can’t cheat a puzzle, that’s a fact. The piece either fits or it doesn’t. If you take your time and think about where each piece has to go then you will succeed. This is a great skill for children to learn and apply to other aspects of their lives such as; building blocks and tying shoelaces. When they become aware of the problem-solving process, this will inevitably lead to less frustrations. Of course, we can’t say they will avoid all tantrums!
- Vocabulary – When you’re working together with your child on a puzzle, it leads to conversations. You can talk to them about what’s happening in the scene, what noise does that animal make and what to look for on the next piece. Not only will this teach the art of conversation but also, it’s a great bonding exercise for you and your child.
- Fine Motor Skills – Picking up puzzle pieces, putting them into the right spaces and turning them in their hands will help strengthen children’s hands and fingers as well as improve overall dexterity so they can hold and grip things better. Great for getting ready for writing, buttons, zips, using cutlery and holding small items in general.
- Hand-eye Coordination – Precision and persistence are important to getting that puzzle finished. Beginning with a chunky wooden peg board for younger children, twisting and turning the pieces to try and fit will challenge the brain and improve hand-eye coordination. Continuing to smaller more intricate puzzles as they grow older will keep building those skills.
- Concentration & Memory – Improving your child’s ability to concentrate for longer periods of time and remember the way a puzzle looks will help them in the long run. Sitting down and focusing on one clear task is a great way to improve concentration and relieve stress. As well as improve a child’s readiness for school lessons.
- Patience – Encourage your child to strive to achieve their goals starting with puzzles. Finishing a puzzle takes a lot of time and patience, doing puzzles regularly teaches children about perseverance. Beginning with small peg boards as they are younger and keep challenging them with larger puzzles as they grow older.
As well as all of these benefits to your child’s development, puzzles are a great way to spend time with your little one and bond. Just Jigsaws Ltd. offers a range of puzzles to suit any age, from 1 to 100! So, take a look at our MidlandsHour.co.uk profile and visit our NEW online store to keep your children learning and having fun during lockdown.