Why it's important to include puzzles in your homeschooling program

Something we’ve loved doing during these rainy days is completing a good puzzle. We’ve been working on a Wasgij puzzle recently, and it’s been a brilliant challenge!

But how is doing a puzzle homeschooling?

Well sometimes, certain aspects of a subject can be difficult for students (yes maths, I’m looking at you). And sometimes, students (and adults) can have a tendency to think that if something’s difficult, it’s not fun. Some kids (and adults) may start to think that they can’t do it, some may lose confidence in themselves, some may get frustrated, and some may even give up.

In these moments, it can be beneficial to remind students that the difficult task they’re facing is just a challenge that they need to overcome. And challenges are fun!

It’s a mindset change.

Challenges are not bad.

Challenges are nothing to stress over.

Challenges are fun!

And not just that, but challenges are also often the REASON things are fun!

Have you ever looked through a Where’s Wally book? Would it be as fun if there was a giant, bright yellow arrow pointing to Wally on every page? No. The challenge is what makes it fun!

It’s the same with all puzzles.

Puzzles are a great way to remind your brain that when you’re faced with a challenge, you don’t need to freeze. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed. You don’t need to give up.

Just think of it as a puzzle!

It may take time. You may need to look at things from different perspectives. It may take multiple attempts. But persevere and you CAN overcome challenges.

And the sense of accomplishment when a puzzle is completed (especially a difficult puzzle!) - that’s the feeling the student can take with them when they then return to the difficult lesson.

They’re capable of overcoming challenges and doing difficult things. They know that now.
They understand that when they persevere with a challenge, they’re rewarded with success.

They just need to believe in themselves and their abilities.

And that is why puzzles are an important part of our homeschooling program.

View or purchase our range of puzzles in store or online here.

View or purchase our homeschool range in store or online here.