How Puzzles Build Confidence, Community, and Curiosity

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.