Why Puzzles Are Good for Your Child’s Development (Printable Jigsaw Puzzles Included)

Jigsaw puzzles are hardly new. They’ve been around since the 1700s, and have evolved from hand-cut wooden educational tools to a huge industry targeting children and adults alike. They have certainly stood the test of time, providing education and hours of peaceful time passed.

You’ve probably heard that puzzles are good for your child’s mind and cognitive development; in fact, you may have received puzzles as baby shower or new baby gifts. But why are puzzles considered helpful to a child’s mental development? Here are some reasons.

Jigsaw puzzles improve hand-eye coordination

When children flip, turn and remove pieces of the puzzle, they are learning the connection between their hands and their eyes. The eyes see the puzzle, and the brain then envisions how the puzzle needs to look or what piece needs to be found and placed. Then the brain, eyes, and hands work together to find the piece, manipulate it accordingly, and fit it into the puzzle accurately.

Jigsaw puzzles develop fine motor skills

Similar to the way hand-eye coordination is achieved, puzzles provide the opportunity for children to develop fine motor skills. Fine motor skills require small, specialised movements that puzzles provide. Fine motor skills are necessary for handwriting and other important achievements.

Jigsaw puzzles develop shape recognition

For young children – even babies – learning to recognise and sort shapes is an important part of their development. Puzzles can help them with this.

Our selection of Printable Jigsaw Puzzles for Preschool Kids are perfect for when you need to keep bored children occupied, whether you’re a parent at home or a teacher in the classroom. Each puzzle sheet is in printer-friendly Adobe PDF format and can be printed off directly for immediate use or alternatively saved to a PC for a later date.

To print out your jigsaw puzzle, just click on the image you want to view and print the larger puzzle.