Use Jigsaw Puzzles to Help Your Young Child Learn Vital Reading Skills

Early recognition skills for a baby are very simplistic. A favorite toy is the same toy no matter what position it is in. Position is not important. A toy is the same whether upright or upside down. Position is important in puzzles however, just as it is important with recognizing letters and words, when learning to read. The simple puzzles produced for younger children help to develop more refined definition and recognition skills.

Several learning experiences can be gained through puzzles. To discover that the puzzle piece only fits one way is in fact a pre-reading skill. A letter needs to be the right way up and not backwards or upside down in a word. At first a youngster will try to deal with the problem by trial and error. When this is found to be unsatisfactory learning starts to take place. Hand-eye co-ordination begins to develop as the piece is manipulated to fit the space. Observation of the shape of the piece, as well as the hole, is necessary to fit it correctly. At this stage the example and guidance of an adult begins to solidify the learning process. The child, in this way, starts to develop spatial awareness,mental manipulation, and physical dexterity.

Talking with your child is so important. Not only does it strengthen the bond between you, but it creates a great opportunity to increase your little one's vocabulary, as well as increase the recognition of objects and situations outside the child's immediate world.

Early childhood puzzles can be purchased in varying degrees of difficulty as your youngster's spatial and reasoning skills become more developed. Children learn to recognize color and shape by playing. Adult conversation increasing the potential of the young learner's understanding and development. The green shape only fits in the green hole. This type of matching activity develops early reading skills.

When introducing a new puzzle spend time doing it with together at first. Make this a happy social time and lots of fun. Do a puzzle with your child long enough to maintain interest and attention, but be ready to move on to another activity as focus begins to tire. Eventually children will want to do puzzles by themselves as their dexterity and confidence increases, With praise and encouragement children will practice until the skills become familiar. Then is the time to introduce puzzles with a greater challenge.

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun as well as educational opportunity to spend quality time with your child. Parents can use the simple puzzle to give children a firm foundation for learning that will last them a lifetime.

Author : Barbara White