Puzzles for children’s organization and autonomy

Puzzles are a great resource for developing children's organization and autonomy. It's also a game! ... to which you are invited! So, from an early age, offer puzzles to your child.

Which puzzles to choose?

There are puzzles for all ages. Manufacturers are generally far below the capacities found on the carpet of the show. Toddlers, as soon as they sit down and handle objects, are ready to go. You will be amazed at their appetite for this real challenge. At the start, we prefer built-in wooden puzzles (prefer Made in France + expensive but ethical). The pieces often have a grip button: it's a game, not an IQ test! At this stage, it is the correspondence of form which is privileged.
Then, we can switch to cardboard puzzles of 12, 24 (around 3 years), 40, 50, 100 pieces. The change of model will depend on several cases:

The child's rhythm and weariness, which sometimes takes a long time to come: prepare to repeat The Little Mermaid 300 times ...
There, it is up to you to suggest something new: learning not to lock yourself into the same model because it is successful fastoche, it is important ...
Knowing how to return to an easier model if you see that it is blocking. It's a game, again ...
You are asked in the puzzle workshop!
Whether he or she is 2 or 6 years old, you will not fail to settle in as close as possible during the first sessions. Obligatory presence ! If possible on the ground with the young pilot. But rest assured, it's exciting. Take off your watch, stop answering the phone and immerse yourself in this case which will quickly become very serious for the young thought who must solve the problem. Among other things, she / he will use her hands !!! ... And manipulating is much more constructive - cognitively speaking - than touching a touch screen.

Guide gently

A puzzle is first and foremost an image on the storage box ... it's full of clues. Then we see that there are color ranges. On the form side, you could say that the pieces are all the same. Not at all !

Imagine that you have a major life lesson: a puzzle has edges! This is not a joke. If you play the game yourself (presence absolutely devoted to the shared moment), you will refine your knowledge of the "how to" of your little one; discover a certain form of organization for your child:

Do they have a sense of organization? autonomy? Nothing yet ?

Some thus make all the edges (pieces with a straight edge + 4 corner pieces with 2 straight edges), then furnish the middle. It's reassuring, a frame.
Others make assemblies with what seems obvious to them and then associate these packages with the liking of a hinge piece. As they grow up, some will reveal their leadership by delegating a "package" to you before you take it back to align it with their plan.
Others, on the other hand, reveal a kind of disorder, or even are clueless before exercise. Do not panic ! It's time to surround yourself, calm down, guide. We do it together, we test the most comfortable method for the child and little by little, it fades. Your child's little logical boat can sail on its own ...
Attention, from the first attempts, be downright voluble and theatrical with each piece set up. Avoid the words "genius", "gifted", etc ...
Prefer "Bravo", "Formidable", "Another winning piece!" " " Great ! "

Finally: read again the first sentence of this article: "There are puzzles for all ages". Grandparents are also invited to pass on their know-how ... It is an inter-generational occupation of excellence. For those who have long since exceeded the doses prescribed above, here is a good choice of 1,000 piece puzzles! Let's Go!

Tons of addresses:

Michèle Wilson: a large choice of French-made puzzles, with boutique in Paris XVth area and website
A video to complete the performance of Michèle Wilson puzzles. This is why favor this type of brand! It's beautiful and strong.
Rue des puzzles: reference site
Then, EFFIGYS, a boutique on rue Saint Louis en l'île (75004) which sells lots of toys and games like no other, including puzzles for children by Michèle Wilson.
Obviously, go in real life, in a shop, to compare to the Joker in Paris for example: an expert will guide you!

Finally, listen to Sophie Ludot, "puzzle cutter" (yes, it's a job !!!)