A Guide to Jigsaw Puzzles

From the very start jigsaw puzzles have been a funeven though it is only 500 piecesmay be extra
educational tool.challenging.
John Spilsbury,a London mapmaker and engraver,5) Specialty Puzzles:
made the first jigsaw puzzle inabout 1766. SplisburyThe first thing that comes to mind when you think of a
attached a map onto a piece of wood, then cut outpuzzle may be a rectanlgeshape with a picture of a
the countriesand continents allowing his customers asfield of flowers. If this sounds boring to you keep
well as geography students to reassemble themin thelooking!
correct pattern.There are many unique puzzles out there.
Many educators today agree that the skills needed toShaped puzzles are puzzles that have a unique border
complete jigsaw puzzles arefundamental. Jigsawshape. Such as in the shapeof a dog or of an eagle in
puzzles teach reason and problem solving skills as wellflight. These puzzles offer a a challenge to those who
as hand-eyecoordination and spatial awareness. Inalwayswork the border of a puzzle first. Round
additon to the basics, I believe also that theact ofpuzzles are some of my favorites to work becauseof
working and completing a jigsaw puzzle teachesthe unusual way the pieces are cut!
patience and perserverence. Puzzlescan be a teamGlow In The Dark puzzles look like a standard puzzle
effort as well. Compared to a video game forbut parts of the design willglow in the dark making
example, a completed jigsawpuzzle gives a childthem a great choice to glue and save!
something tangible to say "Look at what I can do!".Tips for getting started:
Puzzles can be a part of a complete lesson plan orNow that you have a puzzle, and a place to work it,
activity with only a littleeffort. Such as,a puzzle withyou are a little overwhelmedby looking at that huge pile
birds and plants can start a nature walk. Can youof pieces. Now what?
findthe birds in the puzzle in your neighborhood? If you1) Lighting
are working a puzzle with exoticanimals, take a trip toA bright place to work will reduce eye strain and make
the zoo to learn more!for a more enjoyable experience.
Doing a jigsaw puzzle as a family gives you a great2) Sort your pieces
opportunity to talk and spendsome quality timeI like to turn all the pieces right side up first as well as
together. Jigsaw puzzles are enjoyed by all agesorting the edge pieces rightaway. I have also found
groups and can be veryrewarding in many ways. Withthat using boxes or small containers to sort the
the toy stores today over-flowing with electronicdifferent colorsinto is very helpful! ( The boxes of
gadgets,a jigsaw puzzle can offer an enjoyable andpreviously worked puzzles that you have
memorable experience for your family.gluedtogether to display are perfect for this.)
Things to look for when purchasing a jigsaw puzzle:3) Enlist help
1) Picture :I have found that it is nearly impossible to walk past
I think the most important thing to look for whensomeone who is working a puzzlewithout stopping to
purchasing a jigsaw puzzleis the picture itself. Puzzlesfind a few pieces myself. Puzzles are a great way to
are meant to be fun, so find a picture that makesyoupass time andyou may have a wonderful conversation
smile!too!
2) Size and Piece count4) Puzzle roll ups
You should pay attention to the piece count, makeIf you need to use the dining room table again, and you
sure it is appropiate to theage and skill of the puzzler.are not finished with your puzzleyet, don't dispair! A
500 pieces may be to hard for your 6 year old to dopuzzle roll up will help you move and store your
solo,but may be perfect for the family to do together.unfinished puzzlefor another day! Puzzle roll ups are
The size of the completed puzzle is important. Makeavailable in a variety of sizes.
sure the area you willassemble the puzzle will hold the5) Puzzle Glue
puzzle and have extra room for the un assembledOnce you have completed your puzzle it can be heart
puzzlepieces.breaking to take it apart again.
3) Quality:If you really like the design, or just want to show off
A quality puzzle is well worth the price! Vibrant colors,your hard work, it is a simpletask to glue the puzzle
tightly fittingpieces etc. will make assembling the puzzletogether and hang it on your wall! A good puzzle glue
more enjoyable. It is frustrating to havethe paper fallwill dryclear so it doesn't distort the beauty of the
off the cardboard of a puzzle piece.colors. Puzzle glue is brushed on, and whenit is dry you
4) Challenge level:can frame the puzzle, or hang it up as is. Keep the
While choosing a puzzle, keep in mind that a puzzle ofdecor of your home inmind when you are buying
a solid color orrepeating pattern may make it morepuzzles, and you can fill your home with art you made
difficult then a puzzle with a variety of colors.yourself!
Example, a puzzle of black cat on a black blanket6) Afterwards...