Jigsaw Puzzles for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Long before they can read, children learn an enormous amount from jigsaw puzzles. For toddlers and preschoolers, a simple puzzle is play and learning at once.

What little ones learn

• Fine motor skills. Picking up, turning and placing pieces builds the hand control they'll later use to write.
• Problem-solving. "Does this fit? No — try again" is early logical thinking.
• Shape and colour recognition. Matching pieces teaches visual discrimination.
• Focus and patience. Finishing a small puzzle is an early lesson in sticking with a task.

Choosing the right first puzzles

Start with very low piece counts and big, friendly images — animals are perfect. Sit with them, cheer each piece, and keep it short and positive. As they grow, step the difficulty up gradually — our jigsaw puzzles for kids guide covers the older ages.

Make it together-time

Puzzling side by side is lovely bonding — and a great screen-light activity. For mixed ages, see grandparents and grandkids.

Start an easy animal puzzle together →