Traditional Sudoku puzzles uses numerals to fill in the puzzle. However, symbols, colors, letters, and numbers can be used for this addictive puzzle.
Teach Sudoku to your class to get students thinking and reasoning possible solutions to a problem that has only one answer. In order for students to solve a Sudoku puzzle the student must be logical if they are to be successful. Many Sudoku puzzles are created by using numerals. However, you can use numerals, letters, colors, or symbols to create a Sudoku puzzle.
Teach kindergarten students about colors by having them decide the missing color in a simple 4x4 grid. After they have mastered this you can choose to have more missing colors in the grid. Students will love to use their minds to figure out the answer as they are learning all about colors. For higher primary students and junior students you can have a color Sudoku and then to add a twist, ask them to identify the different colors created by mixing colors that are adjacent to each other on the grid.
Another twist to the popular game is to use symbols in place of the numbers. Teach students about popular symbols in Egyptian time, or symbols that are often used on maps. As well, you can use symbols from sporting events or for the musical notes. Students will perfect creating the symbols as they try and solve the puzzle. Additionally, as you teach cursive writing, you can use various cursive letters for the Sudoku puzzle. The list is endless of the letters, numbers, symbols, and colors you can use for the puzzle.
After students learn the basics of solving and creating Sudoku puzzles you can become more creative with the letters, numbers, symbols, and colors.
