Have you tried using Sudoku puzzles in your classroom? I have and I LOVE them. These puzzles are a genius way to keep students learning, engaged and minds-on! I like that these puzzles function as more than a worksheet. Here are 7 great ways to use sudoku puzzles in the classroom.
1. Whole-Class Lessons
When I first introduce my students to sudoku I show them how to play as a whole class lesson. I project the puzzle onto my whiteboard/smartboard and I use precut pieces that have magnets on the back to manipulate and solve the puzzle. I explain that each column, row, and grid square has to have one of each picture/number and I show them what this means. Once they get the hang of it we solve puzzles taking turns placing pieces. After you have solved a few and the students have a grip on solving them try this: *Project a puzzle when students first come in from recess. Students that are ready come to the carpet and try to figure out a few moves on the projected puzzle. This gives slower students time to get ready while keeping the class occupied as we wait to begin our lesson. Genius.
2. Smartboard/Whiteboard Center
Along these same lines, I use these puzzles as a center on my whiteboard. I will project a puzzle and let the students solve it with the magnets on the whiteboard. This is great for students that may be quick to finish them – simply project the next puzzle and you are ready to go again!
3. Math Talks
Math talks are a hot topic these days. I use sudoku puzzles in my classroom discussions to get math talks going. Ask students to explain WHY they chose the piece they did when solving on the whiteboard. Why did they choose the piece and WHY did they place it in a certain spot. The magic of this is you can see how other students think and solve the puzzle. Most students do NOT think the same. By having students vocalize their thinking it helps inform others and get their minds activated. I have been amazed at how some of my students think and solve these puzzles – their logic and reasoning is astounding when you get them to explain what they are doing. This also helps other students understand there is more than one way to solve a puzzle and it helps them to find other ways to think and solve them.
4. Bulletin Board Center
Make a bulletin board and display the puzzle – laminate it first! Use laminated pieces with velcro for students to solve the puzzle. This is the same as the whiteboard but does not take up valuable whiteboard space!
5. ELA or Math centers
Sudoku is NOT a math game. It is a logic and reasoning activity. Therefore, sudoku puzzles can be incorporated into your classroom ELA or Math center rotations. Laminate the puzzle and pieces and set in a bin for students to solve. This is by far one of the most popular centers in my classroom.
6. Independent Activity
Use the above bin from math centers to use as an independent activity for fast finishers, inside recess, free time or as a one on one lesson. Answer keys can be provided so students can self check their work!
7. Photocopy as a worksheet
Lastly, but certainly, not least I have used sudoku as a worksheet. First thing in the morning photocopy a puzzle and place it on the students’ desk so they have an activity to occupy them during announcements, attendance, and anthems – keeps them focused and on task and in place – using those valuable minutes that can be lost every morning! These worksheets are great when we have a few minutes extra in a day or simply as an activity for them to complete.
I have found sudoku has limitless possibilities in my classroom. Once your students have learned how to play sudoku it becomes evident how much learning potential there are in these puzzles! There are many benefits to using sudoku in your classroom and I have written a blog on them – you can read those here by clicking the image below.
If you are thinking of trying sudoku puzzles in your classroom you can click this link and get a sample of my beginner 4×4 sudoku puzzles to see if they will work for you!
I use my 4×4 beginner seasonal puzzles all year long – click the images to check them out!
