Teaching Tools & Learning Resources

Puzzles are a simple yet powerful learning tool for toddlers. Through hands-on exploration, puzzles support early thinking skills, coordination, and problem-solving in a way that feels engaging and enjoyable.

In both home and home-based child care environments, puzzles provide opportunities for learning that can be easily adapted to a child’s age, ability, and interests.

Supporting Early Cognitive Development

When toddlers work with puzzles, they begin learning how pieces fit together, how shapes relate to one another, and how to persist through challenges. These early experiences support foundational thinking skills.

• Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
• Supports memory and attention
• Introduces early concepts such as matching and spatial awareness

These skills are closely connected to early learning areas such as Numbers and Counting, where children begin exploring patterns and relationships.

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Puzzles help strengthen fine motor skills as toddlers grasp, turn, and place pieces. These movements support hand strength, coordination, and control.

• Improves hand-eye coordination
• Builds finger strength and dexterity
• Supports skills needed for later writing and self-care tasks

Fine motor development also supports everyday independence and self-help skills found within Life Skills.

Encouraging Patience and Persistence

Puzzles naturally introduce toddlers to challenges that require patience and effort. Completing a puzzle often involves trial and error, which helps children learn to keep trying even when something feels difficult.

With encouragement and support, toddlers build confidence as they experience success through persistence.

Supporting Language and Communication

Puzzles also provide opportunities for language development. As children play, caregivers can naturally introduce words related to shapes, colours, positions, and actions.

• Naming shapes, pictures, and objects
• Using positional language such as “in,” “out,” or “next to”
• Encouraging simple conversation and turn-taking

These interactions support early communication and literacy development, which are reinforced through the Early Literacy curriculum.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Puzzles

Puzzles are most beneficial when they match a child’s developmental stage. Toddlers often benefit from simple puzzles with larger pieces, clear images, and limited complexity.

As children gain confidence, puzzles can gradually become more challenging to maintain interest and support continued growth.

Learning Through Play in a Home-Based Setting

In small, home-based environments, puzzles can be offered during quiet play, one-on-one interaction, or small-group activities. This setting allows caregivers to observe closely, offer gentle support, and adjust challenges as needed.

Puzzle play fits naturally alongside other hands-on activities found within the Activities curriculum, supporting a well-rounded approach to early learning.

Building Confidence Through Exploration

The goal of using puzzles with toddlers is not speed or perfection, but exploration and confidence. When puzzles are introduced in a positive, supportive way, children develop skills that extend far beyond the puzzle itself.