How to Teach a Child Their First Name Using a Jigsaw Puzzle

Teaching your child or children their first name can be fun. Using a name puzzle teaches your child sensory along with motor and cognitive skills as well. With the added fun and mystery of a jigsaw puzzle, a child can have fun while learning something very important.

Instructions

Teaching your Toddler Their First Name

1. Purchase a name jigsaw puzzle. Most toy stores carry them.

2. 

   Give the jigsaw puzzle to your child. Make it seem like a fun present. It is, but they don't have to know it has the bonus of teaching them something.

3. Put the jigsaw puzzle in front of your child, and see what they do with it.. These puzzles are best if given to your child at age two. This is only because babies under two still like chewing on everything and everything in sight.

4. 

   Instruct the child on how to make their name from the pieces. Letting your child play with their jigsaw puzzle is fun because you will be saying their name aloud and placing the puzzle pieces in the correct place. This allows your child to hear what their name sounds like and see where each puzzle piece goes. Playing with a name jigsaw puzzle also allows your child to use their hands/fingers/eye coordination.

5. Just have fun with the puzzle. This is a great learning tool and your child will really like it. This puzzle and pieces are also flat. So, when each letter is placed in its place, the whole puzzle lays flat. You and your child can have a set time for playing with the puzzle. Alternatively, you can just keep it out all day, and see how your child is drawn to the puzzle. This is the best gift for a toddler because they will never want to put it down.

6. Add additional fun to the game by creating a song using the pieces, and you can also sing the child's name.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with your child as you both play with the puzzle together.

• Let your child, if they want, play with the puzzle on their own. This shows growth and initiative.

• Don't give the puzzle to a child before they are two years old.