I have discovered an absolutely wonderful website called KenKen. People say KenKens are like Suduko puzzles on steroids. So exactly what is a KenKen? It’s a numerical puzzle that uses the four basic math operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The puzzle is laid out on a grid ranging from 3 by 3 to 9 by 9. Also, they are available for different levels of complexity. The most basic use only one operation (addition), and then they add subtraction, and the number of grids can also change. The great thing about using these puzzles with your students is that it helps improve their math and logic skills.
If you go to the website www.kenken.com, you will find many KenKen puzzles ready for you to download for your kids. They even have a version that can be played online, a mobile app, and if that isn’t enough, you can sign up to have new sets of KenKen puzzles delivered to you by email each week! Many of the gifted teachers in my system have a KenKen center in their classrooms. But be careful; they’re addicting! The kiddos can’t seem to get enough of them. If you click under the section for teachers, they have a pdf file you can send home to teach your kiddo’s parents how to KenKen as well. So check it out and have fun while challenging your mind and boosting your brainpower!
