Puzzles

Following along as a detective puts clues together uses many of the same skills as completing a puzzle. It matters little if the puzzle takes language form (like crossword, word search, code breaking and anagrams), logic (like Sudoku, slitherlink, etc.), picture (jigsaw, sliding puzzles, etc.), physical (like Rubik’s Cube, puzzle boxes, legos or building blocks), or mathematical. Walking a maze or labyrinth has the body contribute to the way out. Exercising the brain with the search for a solution helps both the young and old while providing entertainment.

In the early stages of growth, the brain looks for patterns. Working with simple puzzles of putting a cut out shape into its place helps the brain establish the pattern of what goes together and what does not. Picking the piece and facing it to fit its position helps hand-eye coordination. There is quick reward in seeing the task completed. As the individual grows, the puzzles become more complex. Many pieces make up a whole, differences in shape belong together, and the answer or resolution comes together by joining the details, are some of the lessons provided through enjoying puzzles.

When someone gets older, puzzles provide exercises for the brain. Puzzle solving with others allows various inputs to achieve a united conclusion. Unlike sharing a game, there is no competition or besting the other. Greater skill may be acknowledged, but like the parts of the puzzle, each come together to make the whole. Puzzles afford the opportunity to “think outside the box,” and awaken oneself to the nuances present.