Grades 4–5
Greater-Than Logic Squares
Four 4 by 4 number puzzles with greater-than and less-than signs between the squares. Each has one answer.
Classroom activity · Logic puzzles and brain teasers
Shape Math Puzzles
Four puzzles where shapes stand for numbers: if star + star = 10, what is a star? A first taste of algebra.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Logical reasoning, Problem solving, Persistence, Explaining thinking
What kids do
“Each shape stands for a number. The same shape is always the same number. Solve each puzzle, one line at a time.”
Teacher tip
Have kids solve the easiest shape first, then use it to find the others.
How to use it
- Model the first puzzle out loud, thinking through each clue.
- Give pencils with erasers. Logic puzzles need lots of fixing.
- Slide it into a sheet protector so kids can play again with a dry-erase marker.
Watch for
Kids who guess instead of reasoning. Ask them to explain each answer.
Talk about it
- What did you do when you were stuck?
- What was the trickiest part? How did you get past it?
Take it further
Have kids write their own puzzle for a classmate.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More logic puzzles and brain teasers
Grades 2–3
Logic Grid: Lunch Time
Two 3 by 3 logic grids about lunch: who packed which snack, and who drank which drink.
Grades 2–3
Letter Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku with the letters A, B, C and D: four 4 by 4 puzzles that each have exactly one answer.
Grades 2–3
What Am I? Riddles
Ten “What am I?” riddles, from a banana to the future. Read them aloud and let the class guess.
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