There’s nothing puzzling about the learning going on in Nicole Coletta’s first grade class at Lockhart Elementary School. Students are using puzzles to strengthen their brains, build relationships and grow their confidence.
Looking for ways to introduce more tech-free activities into her classroom, Ms. Coletta did research over the summer about the benefits of puzzles as a learning tool. She purchased several for her classroom ranging from traditional 100-piece puzzles to wooden mosaics to Tangrams. At least twice a week, she sets up puzzles around the room and gives her students a half hour to explore, encouraging them to visit multiple stations.
The 100-piece puzzles feature child-friendly images but others have academic content like animals, numbers and states. Tangrams are different shapes that can be put together to make various patterns. The wooden mosaic puzzles feature a board, wooden blocks in different colors and cards with suggested images to create.
Ms. Coletta’s students always do puzzles with a partner, which fosters communication and collaboration. Each time, they are paired up with someone different so they get to know different classmates. Other benefits of puzzle time include improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills, development of fine motor skills, enhanced concentration and focus, and increased confidence. One of her greatest joys is seeing the sense of accomplishment among her students when they complete a puzzle.
“This is their favorite activity,” Ms. Coletta said. “I love watching their creativity come out and watching their joy as they complete something together. They are doing something challenging and completing it with pride.”