Work on logical reasoning and colors with this Christmas Sudoku unplugged coding activity for preschoolers to 5th graders!
I’ve been a super fan of Sudoku since it became wildly popular in 2005. I carried a little Sudoku puzzle book in my purse! We recently introduced logic puzzles to our girls to work on computational thinking.
Sudoku is a great activity to strengthen logical reasoning skills and decomposition skills while working with a simple algorithm, or a series of instructions for solving problems.
This Christmas Sudoku activity is a way to introduce kids as young as preschool to the rules and the use of logical reasoning to solve a problem.
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Computational Thinking Concepts
Computational thinking is a new way of problem solving that involves thinking about a problem in a way that can be solved by using computing tools like logic, decomposition, abstractions, algorithms, patterns, data collection and analysis, and simulation or modeling.
Computational thinking can be used to solve problems in almost all areas of our lives and helps kids develop some pretty great life skills that can apply to a variety of situations.
A computational thinker approaches problems by:
- Experimenting and playing to solve a problem that might have more than one possible solution
- Working together with others to reach a common goal
- Persevering when faced with a difficult problem
- Finding and fixing errors in complex problems
- Designing and making solutions for open-ended problems
- Understanding their own strengths and weaknesses
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning is the ability to analyze and make predictions about things or explaining why something is the way that it is.
Christmas Sudoku is a spin-off from Sudoku, which is a great way to emphasize the concept of logical reasoning by explaining why an object (number, letter, or in this case ornament) cannot go in a certain space.
Due to the rules of the puzzle, kids can speak to why each block is not certain ornaments, which helps them to identify the solution.
How to Play Christmas Sudoku
This activity is most effective when it is modeled by an adult or older sibling before starting. For example, solve one block space and explain why the square can’t certain ornament colors or objects.
Repeat the process for columns and rows as well as squares. Use the following rules to reference when modeling your logical reasoning.
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each row
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each column
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each 2X2 or 2X3 block (depending on the worksheet you are using).
Use an Algorithm to Solve Your Christmas Sudoku Puzzle
An algorithm is a series of instructions to solve a problem. Begin with teaching the rules of classic Sudoku.
You can turn these rules into an algorithm that automates how you are solving each square. Repeat your algorithm over and over again.
Think about how this process starts with a series of steps and evolves into a program that is written for a computer to automate a task. Sudoku like a robot! For example,
- Choose square
- Check row for ornament colors and Christmas objects
- Check column for ornament colors and Christmas objects
- Check box for ornament colors and Christmas objects
- Determine answer
Use Decomposition to Simplify Your Christmas Sudoku Puzzle
Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, easier to solve, pieces. Focus on each 2X2 or 2X3 block with ornaments. Try to solve each square by using the ornaments in the block and following rule #3.
Another way to use decomposition (my personal favorite!) is to work on one ornament color or Christmas object at a time. For example, start with the green ornaments and work your way through the rest of the colors.
Unplugged Coding: Christmas Sudoku for Preschoolers to 3rd Grade
Use the colors of the ornaments to solve this Christmas Sudoku puzzle with your preschool through 3rd grade kiddo.
Use the following rules to reference when modeling your logical reasoning.
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each row
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each column
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each 2X2 or 2X3 block (depending on the worksheet you are using).
Remember to model the logical reasoning process. For example, solve one block space and explain why the square can’t be certain ornaments. Repeat the process for columns and rows as well as squares.
The workbook comes with an answer sheet and printable ornament pieces that you can cut out to use again and again with your puzzle.
We like to use dry erase pocket sleeves for all of our worksheets, so that we can reuse them for all of these kiddos I have running around this house.
Unplugged Coding: Christmas Sudoku for 3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Use the different Christmas objects to solve these Christmas Sudoku puzzles. This unplugged coding workbook is made for kids in 3rd grade through 5th grade and can also be used by younger experienced Sudoku players.
Remember to model the logical reasoning process. For example, solve one block space and explain why the square can’t be certain Christmas objects. Repeat the process for columns and rows as well as squares.
Use the following rules to reference when modeling your logical reasoning.
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each row
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each column
- Each ornament color (or Christmas object) can only appear once in each 2X2 or 2X3 block (depending on the worksheet you are using).
This workbook also contains Christmas pieces that can be cut out and used with this worksheet as well as an answer key.
The Christmas Sudoku Unplugged Coding workbook has three different Christmas Sudoku puzzles!
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Meet Toni, the Maker Mom behind Our Family Code
Hey there, I’m Toni! I’m a software engineer and Maker Mom that finds my joy in unleashing my children’s curiosity by exploring STEAM concepts with my fantastic five!
When I’m not chasing toddlers or raising tweens, you can find me tearing things up and putting them back together over here at Our Family Code.
I am the owner and content creator of multiple educational websites designed to increase access to STEAM & STEM education with a focus on teaching computer science and coding to kids of all ages!
You can also find out more about me by visiting ToniGardner.com!
TechyKids Canada
Monday 20th of September 2021
Coding games and activities like these re perfect for making learning fun for kids. It can help them understand various coding fundamentals. Thanks for sharing!