Lively Minds Limited

Since we are approaching winter let's focus on puzzles. Puzzles can seem an unexciting gift to give a small child but there are so many benefits that children derive from playing with puzzles.

For the babies the puzzles with large chunky pieces are easy to hold while attempting to manipulate them into their correct space. As fine finger motor control develops they can also try to balance the chunky pieces standing up. Early practise with puzzles assists with the development of visual-spatial perceptual skills as the babies touch, hold and mouth the pieces - all assisting the baby to form an important mental picture of the shape of the piece. This enables the older child to pick up a piece, look at the puzzle and eventually try the correct space first go!

 Brightly coloured pictures on the puzzles provide plenty of opportunity to involve your child in meaningful conversation boosting language development. Social and emotional development occur when the child is guided through challenging activities to experience a feeling of success - the "I did it" moment!

Experiment with puzzles and give your child or grandchild the openings to so much learning while having fun!

Visit our web site for:

• Infants & Toddlers
• Active & Outdoor Play
• Pretend & Role Play
• Games
• Puzzles
• Manipulative toys
• Blocks & Building Sets
• Art & Craft
• Literacy & Numeracy
• Multicultural toys
• Costumes
• Story Dolls & Puppets
• Music