Using logic puzzles and brain teasers in the elementary classroom is a great way to engage students, stimulate minds, and foster a love for learning. Whether you want students to think critically, solve problems, or just have fun while learning these activities can have benefits that go beyond just keeping your students busy.
Benefits of Logic Puzzles and Brain Teasers in the Elementary Classroom
Brain teasers and logic puzzles are meant to be challenging. Students not only find these challenges fun, but they can also benefit our students. Using puzzles in the classroom can help enhance critical thinking skills and help students develop problem-solving abilities. Plus, they are an excellent way to break up the day with something that is both fun and educational.
One of the best parts? Logic puzzles and brain teasers can be used so many ways. Here are 7 great ways to use logic puzzles and brain teasers in upper elementary.
7 Ways to Use Logic Puzzles and Brain Teasers in Upper Elementary
Morning Work: Start the Day with Brain Teasers
Using logic puzzles as morning work is a great way to channel early morning energy into something productive. Puzzles and brain teasers can get your students’ minds thinking and help them to focus from the minute they walk into the door. As students enter the classroom, having a brain teaser or puzzle activity on their desk will help them settle in quickly and transition smoothly into learning mode for the day.
This can help establish a positive tone for the day. By integrating puzzles into your morning routine, you’re not just filling time-you’re preparing your students for a successful day of learning.
Early Finishers: Keep Students Engaged
Managing early finishers can be a challenge, especially when you want to keep them engaged without disrupting the rest of the class. Every classroom has those students who finish work faster than others. Offering early finishers a selection of puzzles and brain teasers ensures they stay productive and challenged while the rest of the class catches up. This can help maintain a calm and productive classroom environment.
Holiday Fun
Celebrate holidays and seasons with puzzles and brain teaser activities. Seasonal or holiday puzzles can help bring the spirit of the holiday or season into the classroom while providing students with opportunities to use critical thinking and reasoning skills. Using these puzzles around holidays offer a break from the usual classroom routine and makes learning feel fresh and exciting.
Substitute Teacher Plans: Make it Easy
We all know that planning for a substitute can be a bit stressful. Having a packet of puzzles ready can help make planning a breeze. Puzzles are a great option for substitutes because they require minimal guidance and are something students enjoy.
Following Test: Help Students Unwind
After a big test, students may need time to decompress. Offering puzzles as a post-test activity can help students relax while keeping their minds active. It can also help provide a calm classroom environment for the other students who are still completing the test.
Fun Friday Activity: Celebrate the Week
Sometimes Friday just calls for something fun, and logic puzzles can be just the thing that your students need. Incorporating puzzles into your Friday routine can be a great way to reward students for their hard work throughout the week.
Bonus: Even More Ways to Use Logic Puzzles and Brain Teasers in the Elementary Classroom
And just as a bonus, here are a few more ways that you could use logic puzzles and brain teasers in the elementary classroom.
- First Day of School
- Back to School Activities
- Morning Soft Starts
- Quiet Work while you administer individualized testing
- Brain Breaks
Puzzle Packet Bundle
If you love these ideas and are looking for logic puzzles and brain teasers to use in your upper elementary classroom, check out this Puzzle Bundle filled with 12 packets filled with seasonal and holiday puzzles and activities you and your students will love.
For more fun ideas on using puzzles with grammar, check out this blog post HERE.
