Puzzling (Winter 2008-09)

Puzzled about what to get your kids for the holidays? Why not consider some puzzles? Puzzles can help keep your kids occupied without the benefit of television, Game Boy, or a computer. There are hundreds of puzzles that allow your kids to be challenged, have fun, and learn at the same time. Puzzling also helps develop young minds and memory.

“The importance of keeping a mind active is getting more and more attention now for older people, but the great benefits that puzzles have for developing minds are often overlooked,” says Penny Press editorial director Christine Begley. “Puzzles are a key component of growth and learning, from the first time a child fits blocks together to the hardest crossword puzzle, these are signs of deductive reasoning and logic skills.”

While crosswords, word searches, and number puzzles like Soduku are likely to be too advanced for children before they enter school, picture puzzles are an option for younger kids. In addition, because there are so many levels of puzzles available, children will be able to find fun, yet challenging, puzzles to fit their specific level as they grow and learn.

“Making learning fun is a huge challenge, and puzzles do just that,” says Begley. “Schools have been using puzzles for years because the ability to master a certain type of puzzle indicates the mastery of a certain skill.”

Crossword puzzles, for instance, shows the mastery of certain words – either in spelling or definition – as well as the ability to use deductive reasoning. Sudoku puzzles require logic skills which are usually obtained in math class. Picture puzzles encourage children to pay attention to small details and use their observational skills as they search for matching or differing images.

“One of the greatest benefits to puzzling,” according to Begley, “is that they make learning fun and offer a sense of accomplishment. And, because there are so many levels of puzzles, children can always find one to match their skill set.”

Solving crossword puzzles in later years has been proven to ward off dementia and increase mental fitness. Making puzzles a habit as a child is a great first step toward lifelong brain health.

For great puzzling gift ideas check out your local book or visit puzzlechoice.com or squiglysplayhouse.com/PencilPuzzles for a wide variety of puzzles to help stimulate your child’s mind!

Click here for a printable version of the puzzle.
Click here for the solution to this puzzle.