5 Reasons You Should Be Using Sudoku With Your Students

Have you ever tried using sudoku with your students? Solving sudoku puzzles is a great way to increase engagement and get a high number of repetitions in speech therapy. Here are five reasons you should be using sudoku with your students.

Many of my students also enjoy solving puzzles, but often find standard number sudoku puzzles too difficult. That’s why I began creating picture sudoku puzzles to use with my students. I have sudoku puzzles for articulation, language, and book companions. My sudoku pages are great for all levels and I have even used them with students as young as 5 years old. Today, I am sharing 5 reasons why you will want to use sudoku in speech with your students.

Highly engaging

They are highly engaging. Every time I pull out my sudoku pages, I instantly have my students’ full attention. They think the puzzles are so fun, which keeps them engaged. It doesn’t feel like work. Many of my students often ask for more…just for fun!

Great for differentiation

I can easily differentiate. I never have students who are on the exact same level academically. Sudoku puzzles come in a variety of difficulty levels. When I use my sudoku pages with my students, we can all be working on the same activity, but each student has a level appropriate for their ability.

No Prep Required!

They require no prep! Sudoku worksheets can be printed and used with absolutely no prep required. I have even have friends who have used them on the smart board as a group activity. Need to save paper? Print once and use them in sheet protectors with dry erase markers.

Executive Functioning Skills

They are great for executive functioning skills. Completing a sudoku puzzle requires the ability to pay attention, self-monitor, organize and plan. When I use these worksheets with my students, we are always working on these skills. It’s not just about solving the puzzle, but also learning how to focus on certain sections, use the information on the page, and think through possible solutions. The harder these pages get, the more focus and persistence is required. It’s a great way to help students learn how to work through a challenge.

Versatility

They are so versatile. You can use sudoku pages as large group activities, with small groups, individuals, or even as homework. The opportunities are endless!

Try some freebies!

If you want to try using sudoku with your students, I have several FREE options for you to try. Don’t know how to do sudoku? Just start out with one of my level 1 pages and go from there. You’ll get it in no time!

Here are some files you can start using today:

Earth Day Worksheets (PDF)
Earth Day Answer Keys (Members Only PDF)
Level 1 Worksheets for S, CH, L (PDF)
Level 1 All Other Phonemes (Members Only PDF)
Level 1 Answer Keys (Members Only PDF)
Level 2 Worksheets for SH, TH, R (PDF)
Level 2 All Other Phonemes (Members Only PDF)
Level 2 Answer Keys (Members Only PDF)
Cut & Glue Worksheets for TH (PDF)
Cut & Glue Worksheets for All Other Phonemes (Members Only PDF)
Cut & Glue Answer Keys (Members Only PDF)
Language Worksheets (Members Only PDF)

Articulation Sudoku Boom Card Bundle available on Boom Learning. These include moveable pieces that make each puzzle fun and interactive.