Why I love Puzzles for Homeschool

I love puzzles! Long before I had children I used to have a puzzle sitting out on our table just for us to work on in our free time. I would sit for a bit putting pieces in here or there until the puzzle was done. Friends who stopped by would often help while we chatted. I am glad to report that puzzle days are back! I’ve been able to work puzzles into our homeschooling, in much the same way.

When Buffalo Games offered us a few puzzles to try, we jumped at the chance to try out some new puzzles. Buffalo Games makes so many fun puzzles it was hard to choose just one. (They are sold at Target, which is one of my favorite places!)

Puzzles are a huge part of how I manage teaching three kids at the same time. I use rotations to make sure there is plenty of one-on-one time with each child when they need it.

It is easy to set out puzzles appropriate for each child to use during their puzzle rotation. Sometimes we set a timer, other times we play music while everyone works independently.

My Middle Little (5) loves the Chuckle & Roar Puzzles, which are full of fun characters, but come in a manageable size. He can complete a 100 piece puzzle on his own with just a little bit of encouragement.

My Big Little (7) is finally able to work on some really challenging puzzles. He loves animals so Buffalo Games’s animal puzzles were a huge hit. (The puzzle also came with a poster of the same picture, which he instantly hung next to his bed!)

The Big Little chose a 500 piece puzzle and set to work putting it together mostly by himself. In addition to his puzzle rotation time, he would work on it during transitions – which really made this a huge win.

I put the puzzle in a room where he could work on it while listening to a podcast. Not only did he choose to do the puzzle several times, he also invited friends to work on it when they were over playing.

The Buffalo Games puzzles really stick together! When it was all done he was able to lift the puzzle up without losing many pieces.

I think one of the best parts about doing puzzles though is the ability to see yourself make progress. So often the work we do builds on itself, but it is hard for kids to see. The Big Little got excited when he completed the border, then again when the fox’s face was complete and finally when he was all finished with the puzzle.

With grandparents coming into town this week, we picked up another puzzle for the family to work on together during their visit. They can’t wait to crack open the brightly colored doughnut puzzle and give it a go.

Buffalo Games provided puzzles for the purpose of this review. As always all opinions are our own.