From the wooden puzzles of yesteryear to the digital puzzles of today, one thing still remains: puzzle games are as popular as ever. One reason for this enduring popularity could be the way that puzzle games is created to combine fun with a challenge. Puzzle games are something for children to become engrossed in, taking concentration and perseverance to complete.
Entertainment is not the only thing that matters, however. Most parents are searching for fun ways to make learning fun for their kids, and puzzle toys are the perfect tool for this.
There are all sorts of educational benefits to puzzle toys. Firstly, puzzles of all kinds help children to develop their ability to think through problems. This involves learning how to plan ahead, and also requires them to practice their ability to remember sequences and patterns of all sorts.
The logical thinking required in order to solve problems also means learning to discriminate and think critically. These skills give children the ability to decide whether a possible solution is going to work, and getting it right helps to build a child’s confidence in their own ideas.
Puzzles are not just about dry logic, though. Many puzzles can be solved in several ways, and the process of solving a puzzle is as much about creativity as about logic. When a child gets stuck with a puzzle game they have to figure out new ways to approach it. This requires them to come up with their own ideas, encouraging them to think creatively.
Often, puzzle games require children to combine the skills of logical thinking and creativity with spatial awareness. A Rubik’s cube, chess, or Sudoku all require that children are able to understand spatial arrangements as well as remember patterns and plan ahead. Chess and Rubik’s cube puzzles also have no single solution, which further emphasizes creative thinking.
Very young children gain an additional benefit from puzzle games. By having to hold small objects and position them with accuracy, they develop their fine-motor skills. These skills are what underpin a child’s ability to write.
Finally, puzzle games teach a child how to be patient and how to persevere. Puzzles can take a while to complete, often continuing through many play sessions. They can also become infuriating, and it’s when things just don’t seem to work out that a child learns most about how to persevere and the benefits of being patient.
Problem solving and creative thinking skills are important for any child, whether they end up becoming math whizzes or football stars. Even team sports require that players use these skills, so there is no reason not to encourage your child to play puzzle games. And, with so many kinds of puzzle games available, there are bound to be some that your child will enjoy.