HEIRLOOM
CHILDREN'S
PUZZLES
Handcrafted Educational Tools are excellent choices in children's
wooden jigsaw puzzles.
Puzzles for kids are an old
and interesting way to challenge
the mind.
Stimulating and educational, age appropriate children's wooden
jigsaw puzzles encourage the development of problem solving, coordination and recognition
skills,
spatial relationships, patience and perseverance.
The
earlier a child can be introduced to puzzles,
the earlier these skills can begin to increase
and benefit other areas of
development.
It is
critical
to match a child's skill level
with a given puzzle. If the puzzle is:
-
Too
easy
- a child will lose interest.
-
Too difficult
- a child will turn away or not be successful.
-
Just right - a child will gain the self esteem and confidence that
comes with success.
There
are several
important
points to consider
when choosing
an appropriate
wooden jigsaw puzzle
for a young child:
FORMAT
Tray
puzzles are the traditional flat puzzles with a bottom
and a 'frame' in which the pieces fit. These are designed for
younger children
aged
15 months to 3 1/2 years.
They usually
have 5 - 12 large chunky pieces and a simple, easy to see, design.
The different figures, or sections, in the design are cut as
separate pieces.
Wooden
Jigsaw puzzles
are cut into irregular
s hapes with
'interlocking' knobs and sockets. The design is completely cut
apart, but
in a somewhat symmetrical pattern. The design is more difficult
to visualize by young children and has to be pieced together
by
matching color and/or shape.
DESIGN
Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles can be very
SIMPLE, with just several pieces clearly
depicted in separate colors, or can be more
COMPLEX
with a busy
composition and all in similar colors. Or layers!
Examples of
SIMPLE
wooden jigsaw puzzle
designs
recommended for kids 15 months to 3 1/2 years:
|
Noah's Ark |
 |
Princess |
 |
|
Farm |
 |
Train Engine |
 |
|
Clown Doll |
 |
Boxed Beginners |
 |
|
Knobbed Beginners |
 |
Examples of
COMPLEX
wooden
jigsaw puzzle designs
recommended for kids ages 3 and older
|
Dinosaurs |
 |
Construction Crew |
 |
|
Butterflies |
 |
Flower Fairies |
 |
|
3-layer Noah's Ark |
 |
NUMBER OF PIECES
To keep it
very simple for the youngest child, start with 4 large
pieces for age 15 months gradually working with more pieces as
the months go on. Repetition at this age is important.
By 24 months, introduce a tray puzzle with 7 - 12 pieces.
At 3 years, most children are ready to try a simple jigsaw
puzzle, starting with 16 pieces.
|
AGE GUIDELINES |
|
3 - 4 Years |
16 - 36
Pieces |
|
4 - 5 Years |
36 - 56
Pieces |
|
5 - 6 Years |
56 - 63
Pieces |
|
6 - 7 Years |
63 - 72
Pieces |
|
7 - 8 Years |
72+ Pieces |
Our "Standard"
number of hand-cut wooden
jigsaw puzzle pieces:
16, 20, 30, 36, 42, 56, 63, 72, 81, and 99.
Please note:
Children vary considerably in their ability to do puzzles at
different ages. The chart above is only meant as a guideline.
Children's
Puzzles are their own reward when successfully completed,
and beg to be done over and over.
Choose carefully!!
Questions?
Should you have any question
about choosing designs, number of pieces, custom designing
puzzles, etc.,
send us a note using
'snail mail',
e-mail,
or simply pick-up the
phone and call us.
Contact Information:
E-mail
-
heirpuzzle@aol.com
Phone
-
252-586-8486
Snail Mail:
HEIRLOOM
PUZZLES
127 Pine Path Lane
Littleton, NC 27850
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