Hands on Logic Puzzles for Kids!

I am so excited to share my newest resource with you today! If you’re looking for a fun activity to keep your kids from being bored this summer, a simple activity for a math center in your classroom, or something to keep the kids busy on rainy days, you will love this book of hands on logic puzzles using pattern blocks! This book is jam packed with everything I could think of to make it a great learning experience for kids ages 4-9!

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How to Use these Hands On Logic Puzzles: 

These puzzles are similar to sudoku puzzles, but instead of numbers, they use shapes. They are also simplified because the squares are only 4×4 instead of 9×9.

These puzzles are intended to be used with actual pattern blocks so that kids can complete the puzzles over and over.

It is also helpful to use the blocks rather than drawing in the shapes because if they make a mistake they can simply move the block rather than erasing and redrawing.

This ebook includes 4 different kinds of puzzles, so the directions change slightly with each new variation.

Cut and Paste Puzzles: 

The first section of this book includes simplified puzzles for preschoolers. These puzzles are 3×3 squares and include the shapes at the bottom of the page that kids can cut out and glue in the appropriate box.

To complete the puzzle, each row and column must contain exactly one of each shape.

You can also use the puzzles as a way to discuss shapes and look for shapes in the world around you.

The puzzles in this book are similar to these cut and paste puzzles, which you can try out for free.

Basic Pattern Block Puzzles: 

The second section of the book includes basic pattern block puzzles. To complete these, kids must ensure that each row and column contains exactly one of each shape.

You can try a sample of these puzzles here (please note: you do not need the free download if you purchase the puzzles ebook. Those puzzles are already included.)

4 Square Challenge: 

The third section of puzzles adds a new restriction, making them more like traditional sudoku puzzles: each 2×2 box can also only contain one of each shape.

So each row, column and 2×2 square (formed by the bold lines) cannot repeat shapes.

In addition to the added challenge, these puzzles have more blank squares, meaning there are less clues to go by in order to solve them.

X Marks the Spot Challenge: 

And finally, the last section adds yet another requirement: the diagonals can only include one of each shape.

So to correctly complete these puzzles, each row, column, 2×2 box and diagonal can only have one of each shape.

In addition, these puzzles have the most blank squares, making them the most challenging.

Even with the added challenges, these puzzles may be too easy for your upper elementary or middle school age child.

If that’s the case, also included are blank “create your own” puzzle pages for each type of pattern block puzzle!

Finding a pattern that will work is a challenge (though it was certainly a fun challenge for me, as I’ve played with puzzles for the last month!), so see if your child can come up with their own to challenge their friends and family! This will be a great workout for their brain!

I suggest you print two blank copies, so they can use one to create the “answer puzzle” and the other to create the actual puzzle.

I would also suggest they work backwards: creating the answer first, and then removing blocks to create the puzzle.

They will not only have to figure out an answer puzzle that works, but they then need to make sure they create a puzzle that can be solved (meaning there are enough of the right clues).

And as with all of my resources, included in this resource are color and black and white versions of all puzzles, as well as answer keys.

If you want this to be a completely independent activity, print and laminate the answer keys and store them with the puzzles. Then when your child completes a puzzle, they can find the corresponding answer key and check their solution. The puzzles and answer keys are labeled to easily match them.

And finally, if you love the idea of these puzzles, but don’t have a set of pattern blocks, don’t worry! I thought of that as well!

Included at the end of the book is a page of printable pattern block cards. Simply print on card stock or laminate, and then cut them out! Your kids can then use the cards as manipulatives to complete the puzzles.

I hope you and your kids (or students) find these puzzles to be a fun challenge that will build their problem solving and logical reasoning skills!

Buy Hands On Logic Puzzles HERE

Not ready for the whole set yet? Fill out the form below to get a free sample!

If your kids are older and ready for more advanced logic puzzles, try A Year of Logic Puzzles:

Buy A Year of Logic Puzzles HERE