Play is important in child growth and development. Providers of childcare in North Ryde contribute to this by introducing as many games as possible during your child’s sessions at the centre.
Puzzles often top the list because of their benefits to children. They help them develop emotional skills, self-esteem, cognitive skills, self-esteem and even pride, especially when they succeed in solving a puzzle.
Playing at home can also benefit your child in many ways. When they do so with loved ones, it builds their sense of belonging and makes their communication better.
You can get puzzles and other board games from a store or create one at home. Many of us don’t know that most of the things we have at home can probably be turned into puzzles. From cereal boxes and old greeting cards to cardboards and ropes and beads.
Our experts show you a simple way to create a puzzle with pictures.
Step 1: Choose A Picture
Consider a puzzle that involves putting pieces of an image back together. Carefully select the image and ensure it captures your child’s interests.
For example, if they are into nature, get an image that depicts that. If they love gadgets and toys, get a picture of the same, such as cars.
Pay particular attention to the material used for the image since you want the puzzle to last. Those with paper that tears easily or colours that fade away quickly will cut the fun short.
Step 2: Select An Appropriate Backing
Paper pictures are susceptible to tearing, folding or getting misplaced easily. For a child that is still learning how to take care of their stuff, such a paper in their hands could be dangerous. Those fond of nibbling on things could even ingest it.
So, have the paper pictures mounted on a child-friendly backing. Make sure the backing is made up of a non-toxic material that is safe for children.
The adhesive should also be safe for children. Ensure no air is trapped in between to avoid the final product looking bumpy.
When shopping for the best childcare in North Ryde, this is one of the things you should pay extra attention to. Find out if the toys at the facility are safe for your child.
Step 3: Add The Finish With Lacquer
Since your child is bound to play with many things, including liquids, it would be best to lacquer your mounted image.
Spray a sufficient coat of lacquer on the image and let it dry. The end result should be a glossy hard-to-soil surface. This will prevent puzzle pieces from getting damaged by liquids and scratches.
Step 4: Cut The Puzzle
Next, cut the whole image to sizable pieces. To begin with, trim the edges to have a neat piece to work with. Have your child help if they are in a position to hold a pair of scissors.
Thereafter, trace the puzzle pattern on the surface of the image. Carefully cut the pieces and put them in a jar you had set aside.
To prevent bad cuts, cut in horizontal or vertical strips first. As much as your child wants to help, be careful not to let them use a cutting device to avoid accidents.
Ensure all pieces are detached.
Step 5: Let The Fun Begin!
Mix all the pieces together and have your child try to put their image back together. To motivate them, play with them in turns.
Engaging them in the whole process prepares them mentally and gives them the morale to attempt.
Do not rush them into completing it since it could injure their self-esteem and keep them from trying.
Many times we rush to buy toys in order to bring the fun home not knowing that there’s a cheap way to have fun with our children. Using cheap and easily available resources, you can put together a fun puzzle for your child. By letting them choose the image, they feel counted in and will enjoy the game more. Allowing them to help also raises their responsibility as they will hate to see their creation go into waste.
Top providers of childcare in North Ryde also make use of educational puzzles to teach children new words, enhance their problem-solving skills, boost their memory and achieve other child development goals.