"Solves Puzzles"

At SLC, we assess children's progress from time to time. We use several tools to do that - a developmental checklist, notes, photographs, even this blog is a way to document growth. It is important to note children's milestones so we know if they are growing as they should. One of the skills we typically look for is "solves puzzles". This term can refer to jigsaw puzzles, but we more broadly consider it to mean "solves anything that is puzzling".
Weston B. has a Tippy Turtle. The goal is to try to put the cylinder pieces on the tummy without the turtle tipping over. It's tough. Weston has figured out how to do it, but not perfectly. That's fine! Strategy is what we are after. If Weston can figure out what to do and attempt to execute his plan, then he is solving a puzzle.

Owen and Faith have a gigantic Mr. Potato Head as well as several smaller Potato Heads. There are pieces of different sizes and function scattered around. If they can figure out how to put pieces on the different size Potato Heads, then they are solving a puzzle. It doesn't much matter if the ears don't match or there are two left arms. Strategy and planning are the indicators of solving a puzzle.

Susannah has a set of gears. This is an example of a puzzle that can be solved in infinite ways. She could put the pieces in hundreds of combinations and still get the desired result - moving parts. Notice she is placing the gears flat on the base. In the foreground there are some vertical gears made by other children. Both methods are examples of solving puzzles.

Make sure to give your children time and materials at home to solve puzzles. It's important.