Raised Piece Puzzles are the next step after Pegs. The puzzle pieces are raised higher than the frame background which allows small fingers to easily manipulate the pieces. This extends fine motor development. Puzzles help children to develop a range of skills. These include visual motor skills, proprioception, vestibular, tactile and fine motor. These skills are all pre-reading essentials and are extremely important in early childhood development.

Making the puzzle into the shape of the subject can make the experience more exciting and rewarding. Instead of the subject being part of the picture, it makes the subject “the picture”. A child can “feel” both the outside and inside shape and it gives them a greater understanding of positive and negative shapes. It may also help them to focus on just the task at hand which helps with concentration and thus the completion of the task. Shaped puzzles are also a fun and exciting way to encourage participation by giving them a more tactile experience.