How Puzzles Build Confidence, Community, and Curiosity
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators · Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman
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Show Notes
What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages.
Learn more:
https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge
Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance.
Topics covered Allison Kane's path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities
Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.