A Guide to Jigsaw Puzzles

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From the very start jigsaw puzzles have been a fun educational tool.

John Spilsbury,a London mapmaker and engraver, made the first jigsaw puzzle in
about 1766. Splisbury attached a map onto a piece of wood, then cut out the countries
and continents allowing his customers as well as geography students to reassemble them
in the correct pattern.

Many educators today agree that the skills needed to complete jigsaw puzzles are
fundamental. Jigsaw puzzles teach reason and problem solving skills as well as hand-eye
coordination and spatial awareness. In additon to the basics, I believe also that the
act of working and completing a jigsaw puzzle teaches patience and perserverence. Puzzles
can be a team effort as well. Compared to a video game for example, a completed jigsaw
puzzle gives a child something tangible to say "Look at what I can do!".

Puzzles can be a part of a complete lesson plan or activity with only a little
effort. Such as,a puzzle with birds and plants can start a nature walk. Can you find
the birds in the puzzle in your neighborhood? If you are working a puzzle with exotic
animals, take a trip to the zoo to learn more!

Doing a jigsaw puzzle as a family gives you a great opportunity to talk and spend
some quality time together. Jigsaw puzzles are enjoyed by all age groups and can be very
rewarding in many ways. With the toy stores today over-flowing with electronic gadgets,
a jigsaw puzzle can offer an enjoyable and memorable experience for your family.




Things to look for when purchasing a jigsaw puzzle:
1) Picture :
I think the most important thing to look for when purchasing a jigsaw puzzle
is the picture itself. Puzzles are meant to be fun, so find a picture that makes
you smile!

2) Size and Piece count
You should pay attention to the piece count, make sure it is appropiate to the
age and skill of the puzzler. 500 pieces may be to hard for your 6 year old to do solo,
but may be perfect for the family to do together.

The size of the completed puzzle is important. Make sure the area you will
assemble the puzzle will hold the puzzle and have extra room for the un assembled puzzle
pieces.

3) Quality:
A quality puzzle is well worth the price! Vibrant colors, tightly fitting
pieces etc. will make assembling the puzzle more enjoyable. It is frustrating to have
the paper fall off the cardboard of a puzzle piece.


4) Challenge level:
While choosing a puzzle, keep in mind that a puzzle of a solid color or
repeating pattern may make it more difficult then a puzzle with a variety of colors.
Example, a puzzle of black cat on a black blanket even though it is only 500 pieces
may be extra challenging.

5) Specialty Puzzles:
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a puzzle may be a rectanlge
shape with a picture of a field of flowers. If this sounds boring to you keep looking!
There are many unique puzzles out there.

Shaped puzzles are puzzles that have a unique border shape. Such as in the shape
of a dog or of an eagle in flight. These puzzles offer a a challenge to those who always
work the border of a puzzle first. Round puzzles are some of my favorites to work because
of the unusual way the pieces are cut!

Glow In The Dark puzzles look like a standard puzzle but parts of the design will
glow in the dark making them a great choice to glue and save!




Tips for getting started:

Now that you have a puzzle, and a place to work it, you are a little overwhelmed
by looking at that huge pile of pieces. Now what?

1) Lighting
A bright place to work will reduce eye strain and make for a more enjoyable experience.

2) Sort your pieces
I like to turn all the pieces right side up first as well as sorting the edge pieces right
away. I have also found that using boxes or small containers to sort the different colors
into is very helpful! ( The boxes of previously worked puzzles that you have glued
together to display are perfect for this.)

3) Enlist help
I have found that it is nearly impossible to walk past someone who is working a puzzle
without stopping to find a few pieces myself. Puzzles are a great way to pass time and
you may have a wonderful conversation too!

4) Puzzle roll ups
If you need to use the dining room table again, and you are not finished with your puzzle
yet, don't dispair! A puzzle roll up will help you move and store your unfinished puzzle
for another day! Puzzle roll ups are available in a variety of sizes.

5) Puzzle Glue
Once you have completed your puzzle it can be heart breaking to take it apart again.
If you really like the design, or just want to show off your hard work, it is a simple
task to glue the puzzle together and hang it on your wall! A good puzzle glue will dry
clear so it doesn't distort the beauty of the colors. Puzzle glue is brushed on, and when
it is dry you can frame the puzzle, or hang it up as is. Keep the decor of your home in
mind when you are buying puzzles, and you can fill your home with art you made yourself!

6) Afterwards...
If you have completed a puzzle and don't wish to work it again here are several ideas for
you. Pass it on! Know a friend that enjoys puzzles? Exchange your completed puzzles
with them! Donate puzzles to local schools, churches, nursing homes etc.


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