I was quite surprised at how quickly my sons (3 and 4yrs then) were able to learn to play the Sudoku game. The game is not much of a brainer but still exercises the thinking memory well. We started out with a 4×4 grid using pictures, for the beginner phase, instead of numerals. The aim is to have 4 different pictures correctly placed 4 times in the grid so that each picture only features once in every row, every column, and each square of 4, indicated with thicker lines. Here’s an example of a completed one:
To break the process down for easy learning, we placed the missing blocks next to the grid. They had to cut out the pictures next to the grid and glue them onto the exercise page. For variety we made the 16 pictures into fridge magnets and stuck an empty grid on the fridge. We have included an empty grid with 16 pictures in our Sudoku 4×4 exercises that you can download. The physical handling aids their learning (the use of manipulates) as they visualize it and decreases the pressure on their thinking memory when they still need to learn the concept of the game.
As an example, for starting off we had just one of each picture missing and asking the question, which one of these pictures is missing in this row (or this column)? Just to teach them the rules of the game, we ask them the questions that will guide them to the wanted answer. We direct each step by asking and indicating only one row or one column at a time, keeping it simple, step by step. This would be clues for them in learning how to solve the puzzle once they catch the concept.
As soon as we see what concepts they understand, we either change our questions or give less direction or cues to allow them to take over certain reasoning. For the next level, I would ask, which picture do you see featuring the most in the grid? Let us start with that one. From there, there are several directions one can take to solve the puzzle (which row/column is fullest). Choose one your child indicates and keep that pattern or choose one yourself and exercise that pattern of thinking until a roadblock is met. Then encourage another type of thinking to try and solve it.
As our oldest son is growing into school age, I have now also introduced letters and numerals into our Sudoku exercises. We will continue to add more resources here as we go along.
The concept of this game is so simplistic that you will be able to quickly teach it to your child. The aim is to inspire them and build on their confidence to figure it out for themselves. Allowing them to have successes in a consecutive way, from easy, and taking it increasingly harder, step by step. This is the coaching part that extends beyond the teaching of concepts. It requires you to be involved with them in their world. In return it will build on your valuable relationship. My kids are now enjoying Sudoku puzzles. Having fun during education and enjoying constructive play is priceless!
Exercises
We’ve designed our own Biblical themed Sudoku puzzles with 3 exercises, each with 3 difficulty levels. You can start off with all 3 exercises at easy level and work up from there or combine them as you see fit.
