Learning puzzles are an excellent way to promote critical thinking in kids. This activity builds fine motor skills, increases concentration, and teaches social skills. Puzzles also help develop a child’s memory. Many articles have been written on the benefits of learning puzzles. In addition to building children’s mental skills, puzzles can also improve their hand-eye coordination.
Learning puzzles are also a great way to foster language skills. Prekindergarten puzzles can ask children to give beginning letter sounds to pictures or to find hidden numbers. Other puzzles might require students to place objects in order of a particular attribute. Older kids may be asked to solve a mathematical equation, read, and analyze graphs, or decode words.
Teachers can incorporate learning puzzles into any subject area. For example, they can integrate escape room games. Unlike traditional classroom activities, these games require students to think outside of the box and critically analyze puzzles. Students can work in small groups or with a teacher to solve puzzles and unlock a lock. The game can take five minutes or 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the puzzle.
Teachers can use learning puzzles to enhance cooperative learning. Jigsaw is one such strategy. Jigsaw allows students to specialize in one aspect of a topic and then work with other students in a group to learn more about that aspect of the topic. This strategy helps students improve their listening, and communication skills, as well as their problem-solving skills.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) offers several online games to promote learning. These games help students develop their ability to apply the principles of metacognition. For example, students can learn about phonological and morphological structures by playing simple games. These simple games also make learning fun and engaging.
Video games can also be used to frame lessons with real-life examples. Some examples include Minecraft Education Edition. The game helps to break down complicated problems with real-life examples. Another example is Active Citizen, which breaks down problems in social justice. The game promotes problem-solving skills, collaboration skills, and creativity.
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