In addition to being fun and entertaining, puzzles are also very good for your brain. Whether you prefer jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles or word puzzles, set aside time this week to boost your critical thinking skills through puzzle solving!
Puzzling requires the use of both sides of the brain simultaneously. The left brain, or analytical side, sorts and separates the pieces while the right side, the creative side, allows us to imagine the end result before it’s finished. Using both sides of the brain at the same time builds neuron connections that link the left and right side together—think of it as a good, healthy workout for your mind!
Puzzle solving helps kids develop spatial skills, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and memory development. Adults who keep their brains active with puzzles can help slow or reduce the onset of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
January 29th is National Puzzle Day, so celebrate by working on some of your favorite puzzles as a family! Some of MindWare’s favorite puzzles include:
- Pattern Play: This hands-on puzzle for kids is a great introduction to math concepts like sorting, matching, symmetry, congruence and fractions. (Ages 3 and up)
- Perplexus: With plenty of twists, turns and barriers between start and finish, this strategy puzzle will surely leave you perplexed! Try to guide the metal ball through the winding 3D labyrinth. But look out: one wrong move and you’ll have to begin all over again! (Ages 6 and up)
- Rush Hour: This logic puzzles puts players to the test! Navigate your red car through the traffic jam and gridlock in order to successfully leave the game board. (Ages 8 and up)
