Jigsaw puzzles are
non-digital technology, and are designed to test one’s ability to solve
problems, using their knowledge and creativity (Oxford Dictionaries, 2012). Puzzles come in a variety of
sizes, pictures, shapes and levels of difficulty. Technology is not just about
televisions, radios and laptops, but is about developing new skills, ideas and
solving problems (Smorti, 1999).
In my centre, there is a
specific area and table that is set up for the use of jigsaw puzzles, which
cater for children of all ages and stages to enjoy. This area of the room is
always occupied, and the children love to have a go at trying out all the
puzzles that are available. As stated by The Ministry of Education (1996), “Equipment
should be provided for scientific, mathematical, and technological learning” (p.83).
I think puzzles are an important resource to have, as it can not only be
enjoyable, but also educational. Through the use of jigsaw puzzles, children
are able to develop a range of skills, such as; their ability to recognise
different shapes, colours, numbers and images (Tassoni, 2007). As the children manoeuvre
and manipulate the puzzle pieces, they are able to develop their eye-hand
coordination, fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and spatial awareness
(La Fon, 2011). As stated by the Ministry of Education (1996), “Children
develop spatial understandings, including an awareness of how two- and three dimensional
objects” (p.90).
An example of using puzzles
in my centre was when a young child, who was finding a puzzle difficult, asked
if I could sit down and help her complete it. I didn’t want to overtake the
puzzle, but creative a supportive environment, where I could encourage her through the process (Ministry of Education, 2007). As stated by
MacNaughton & Williams, “Staff use encouragement as a teaching technique to
reassure and support children attempting new or difficult activities” (p.68).
As I sat next to the child, we talked about the different shapes and sizes that
she could see on the board, and then compared them to the puzzle pieces. The
child noticed that one of the puzzle pieces was in a shape of a triangle, and
then pointed to the shape of a triangle on the puzzle board. The child tried to
fit the puzzle piece into the slot, but found it difficult. I encouraged the
children to continue trying and asked if she could see any more triangle shapes
on the board. As they child examined the board, she found that there was
another triangle slot, which was slightly larger, and that the puzzle piece
fitted into. The child continued to match the shapes together, and then test
out if it fitted into the correct slot. As stated by MacNaughton & Williams
(2009), “Problem-solving is widely recognised as a cognitive skill that
supports the development of learning in all areas such as literacy, technology,
mathematics and science” (p.343). After the child completed the puzzle, she was
quite pleased with herself and continued to attempt other puzzles.
As I have reflected back on
this experience, I have come to see how much puzzles can benefit the learning
and development of children. Not only can puzzles help develop eye-hand
coordination and fine motor skills, but the amount of problem solving and
mathematic skills that is involved, is amazing. By recognising the benefits of
puzzles, and referring back to my experience, I am able to see that by supporting
and encouraging children through the process of solving problems, that they are
able to take control of their own learning, while becoming more confident in
themselves (Ministry of Education, 1996).
References
La Fon, A. (2011). What children learn from puzzles. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/2064296-what-children-learn-from-puzzles
Ministry
of Educaton. (1996). Te Whariki: Early Childhood Curriculum. Wellington,
New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Oxford
Dictionaries. (2012). Puzzle. Retrieved from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/puzzle
Smorti, S. (1999). Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, 1, 5-10.
Tassoni, P. (2007). Child Care and Education. Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers.
Tassoni, P. (2007). Child Care and Education. Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers.
Pictures:
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HI there Maree, I like how you explained the meaning for what a jigsaw puzzle is and the learning outcomes. There is such a large range of learning outcomes for children when using jigsaw puzzles. I like how your centre has a set area for puzzles but I wondered if you could maybe put your puzzles in a different area or outside to change the settings for children. I was nice to read about the experience you had with the child using the puzzle. I like how you did not take over the puzzle and used a range of techniques to help the child complete her puzzle. It was also interesting to see the different conversations and all the learning which came out of this learning experience. In our centre we use a range of jigsaw puzzles too we also let the children do jigsaw puzzles on the computer we have a few games but I have found I link here if you wanted to try it out with your children.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure of the age of your children but this link maybe helpful. http://www.thekidzpage.com/onlinejigsawpuzzles/kids-jigsaw-puzzles/12-piece-jigsaw/05-18-09-dolphin.html
You may also want to run over some rules with the children about using the internet safely.
Maree this a good blog, you have explained everything that is needed and it is very clear to understand. I love how you talk about what a puzzle is and how your centre has an area in your centre that is well used this shows me that it is set up in a good area and is a place your children enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see that you don’t take control of the activity when the girl seeks for your help, it is important to still allow children to take control of the situation even when they need help this will teach them to not give up, that there will always be someone around to help them but not take over that they have full control of their learning and development.
Just a side note, make sure you reread you work and check for simple spelling mistakes. Other than I enjoyed finding out about your centre using puzzles.
Kia Ora Maree,
ReplyDeleteI personally love puzzles and the fact that your centre provides a learning space for the children to explore puzzles without the hussle and bussle of other resources. I like how you have explained the value of puzzles throughout your blog although I think that you may have been able to include more about what you as a teacher/facilitator had done as this was quite child centred. I find it quite difficult sometimes encouraging children to take control of puzzles as each child views the puzzle pieces differently and may refer to the pictures, colours or shape of the puzzle piece. I always find the puzzles with the picture of the finished puzzle always helps assist with the more tricky puzzles. You might be interested in having a browse of this site to gather some supportive techniques http://marlinrollins.articlealley.com/jigsaw-puzzles-and-child-development-1317665.html
I enjoyed reading your blog and I like the way you clearly explain everything.
Ka pai Maree.