Logic and Critical Thinking Games and Puzzles, ONCE-A-WEEK

In this small class we will solve a variety of logic-based brain teasers:
-logic puzzles using grids and/or tables
-number puzzles using squares/boxes
-word and picture mazes and crosswords

Examples:
-Sudoku is a Japanese puzzle game based on the logical placement of numbers 1-9. The player uses brains and concentration, not special math skills. 
-2D Sudoku is a Japanese puzzle game based on the logical placement of numbers 1-5 on a shaded grid in which numbers that connect vertically are in a specific order. The player uses brains and concentration, not special math skills. 
-Grid Puzzles provide a pre-drawn grid specific to the clues provided. The player uses organization, focus, and process of elimination to place the clues in a way that illuminates the answer.
-Word Scramble Puzzles require the player to unscramble words that are paired with given clues. 
-Letter Puzzles begins with one word and through a series of exact directions and tasks transforms into another word.
(This list is not exhaustive - a large variety of logic-based puzzles are used in class)

This class strengthens all ten executive functioning skills by learning how to solve logic-based puzzles. Executive Functioning (EF) is a broad umbrella term that refers to a set of skills -  attention, flexibility, metacognition, organization, perseverance, planning, self-control, task initiation, time management, and working memory. Developing these skills leads to the growth of successful, productive, creative, resilient students and human beings. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: I teach a similar class that uses brain teasers and riddles to strengthen Executive Functioning skills (EFX).  All puzzles are unique & class-specific - students can take both classes and never repeat a puzzle:-)
There is some overlap of skills used to solve logic-based puzzles and riddle-based puzzles, however, a couple of important distinctions remain. Logic-based puzzles do not require specific background knowledge or experience, but do require focus and exact thinking. On the other hand, riddle-based puzzles often require background knowledge and critical, outside-of-the-box thinking. 


⇢ Week of (Date): Topic/Theme 1
April 16: Logic Grid - Missing School Supplies
April 23: Elimination Grid - Breakfast News
April 30: Balanced Number Grid & Logical Letters
May 7: Word Ladder - Words To The Wise & Outerwear

...ANY MANY, MANY MORE WEEKS OF LEARNING CHALLENGES & EFX FUN!
(at the end of 35 weeks, content recycles to the beginning)

I start class with a warm welcome to new and returning students. Next, I briefly confirm that students are prepared with printed puzzles, a pencil, and some scratch paper. After introducing our puzzle challenges for the day, we jump right in! 
Working one puzzle at a time, I model carefully reading directions, self-reflecting (do I understand?), and pre-planning. When appropriate we take a couple of minutes to create a plan for problem-solving. That way, students are prepared to expertly work through things that might otherwise derail them; such as, “feeling stuck” before reaching a solution, being highly distractible and/or having performance anxiety. Next, with students in the “just right” zone for optimal learning, we enjoy a fun and engaging brain stumper! Finally, after solving our task, I guide students to connect their performance to various executive functions. This highly interactive part of the class teaches students to self-reflect, build from successes, and identify opportunities for improvement. 

NOTEWORTHY:
*Learning goals remain consistent throughout the entire session. But text materials and teaching methods may be adjusted slightly to best meet the needs of each student/group section. In other words, worksheets are support materials I use with purpose; thus, some printables may not be completed. Typically I prepare more printables than I expect to use so that I'm ready to manage time hiccups and learning styles. 
*Classes continue with a minimum of one student enrolled:-)
*Students should bring the printed worksheets, a piece of scratch paper and a pencil to every class.
*All necessary worksheets and printables are posted on the class page.
*In case of late arrival/no-show it is my policy to wait in an empty classroom for 5 minutes before leaving.

I look forward to having a rewarding teaching and learning experience with your student!