Puzzles and jigsaws – where did they originate from and why are they so good?

Puzzles and jigsaws have been around for centuries, with evidence of puzzle-like games dating back to ancient civilizations (it’s believed by some that Greek mathematician, Archimedes, created the first puzzles around 250 BC when he cut up a square of wood into 14 different shaped pieces and tried to reassemble them).^[1] However, the modern-day jigsaw puzzle was invented in the 1760s by John Spilsbury, a British engraver and mapmaker, who pasted a map onto a wooden board and cut out the shapes of the countries with a jigsaw.^[2]

Initially used to teach geography, Spilsbury’s idea caught on and evolved from map-based images to interlocking images of animals, historical images and other things around the mid-1800s, and really took off in the 1930s; thought to be popular as they were reusable as well as entertaining.^[3]

Today, puzzles and jigsaws are still a popular form of entertainment and are used by people of all ages.

Matching items, whether this be via puzzles or pairing socks, can be very enjoyable for your toddler; it’s a pastime that can last a lifetime.

Whatever game you decide to play, they will need to be fairly familiar with the game or activity before understanding there is a connection between the shape and space, or that two items look the same.

There are so many benefits to puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, let’s see what they are:

First, they are a fun and engaging way to pass the time and challenge their mind.
They help with problem-solving and logic skills – you may see your toddler in deep concentration as they search for a matching shape/pattern or try to figure out how a shape fits into the space.
When your toddler concentrates, it can be very soothing for them. Plus, they gain a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when the game, or part of the game, is completed, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Matching games and jigsaws also give your toddler opportunities to bond with family and friends. Working together to complete the puzzle and sharing in the joy of progressing a little bit more each time is a great way to strengthen relationships.
Picking up objects involves grasping and moving small with precision. This helps build muscle strength which will be handy for when your toddler draws and paints.
They can also boost language skills by introducing lots of topics, like dinosaurs, patterns or transport, giving your toddler loads of opportunities to learn new words and more about a particular topic that interests them.
Playing jigsaws and games supports your toddler’s growing memory. Each time they attempt the same activity, they can draw upon their past experiences which can help them in finishing the task at hand.

Remember, playing with matching games and puzzles is meant to be fun and relaxing. Don't worry about your toddler finishing them quickly or not perfectly. Take a moment to celebrate all successes, no matter how big or small.

References:

[1] The Stomachion - The Oldest Puzzle in the World. (2023) Vanishing inc. Magic Shop.

[2] Jigsaw Puzzle. (2021) The Strong National Museum of Play.

[3] Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2021) Jigsaw Puzzle. Encyclopedia Britannica.