Grades 2–3
Odd One Out Brain Teasers
Eight rows of four: circle the one that does not belong and explain why. Words, numbers and shapes.
Classroom activity · Logic puzzles and brain teasers
Shape Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku with shapes instead of numbers: four 4 by 4 puzzles that each have exactly one answer.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–3
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Logical reasoning, Problem solving, Persistence, Explaining thinking
What kids do
“Draw a circle, square, triangle or star in each empty box. Each row, each column and each thick box has each shape once.”
Teacher tip
Have kids draw each shape lightly first so they can fix mistakes.
How to use it
- Let kids work with a partner and explain their thinking.
- Start with an easier puzzle before the harder ones.
- Use it as a center, an early finisher choice, an indoor recess activity or a sub day page.
Watch for
Frustration on hard puzzles. Give one clue at a time as a hint.
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
Post a puzzle of the week on the board.
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 3–4
Logic Grid: The Pet Show
A 3 by 3 and a 4 by 4 logic grid about a pet show: who brought which pet, and which pet won which prize.
Grades 3–5
Shape Math Puzzles
Four puzzles where shapes stand for numbers: if star + star = 10, what is a star? A first taste of algebra.
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.
Free for teachers
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