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Friday Puzzle Challenge
A weekly team competition where groups earn points on several quick puzzles, building stamina and friendly rivalry.
- Time35 minutes
- GradesGrades 3-5, Grades 6-8
- SubjectMixed
- ThemeTeamwork
- ThemeGrowth mindset
- ThemeEarly finishers
Learning outcomes
- Solve different kinds of puzzles under time pressure
- Share roles and strategies in a team
- Celebrate effort as well as winning
What you need
- A printed pack from the Pack Builder (scramble, maze, word search)
- Kids Sudoku print-outs
- A scoreboard
Puzzle tools used
All tools are free, with no sign-up, and every sheet can be printed with an answer key.
Step by step
- Use the Name Picker to make teams of four.
- Print a puzzle pack with Word Scramble, Maze and Word Search, plus a Sudoku, with the answer keys kept aside.
- Teams get 25 minutes to complete as many puzzles as they can. They choose the order.
- Check each puzzle with the key. Give one point per correct puzzle and a bonus point for a clear explanation of a strategy.
- Close with a round of applause for effort and one thing each team learned.
Differentiation
Support
Use Easy versions and 2 puzzles per team.
Extend
Add a Word Search with hard settings and a six-by-six sudoku.
Discussion questions
- What strategy did your team use?
- Which puzzle was your favourite?
- What did you learn from a mistake?
What to look for
Teams divide the work sensibly and celebrate each other's contributions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep it friendly?
Award points for teamwork and explanations as well as correct answers, and rotate teams each week.
Can this be a weekly routine?
Yes. Change the puzzle types or themes each Friday to keep it fresh.
More class activities
Equal Turns with the Name Picker
Use a random picker so that every student gets a turn to answer, read or share, and nobody is overlooked.
Growth mindsetGrowth Mindset Puzzle Journal
Students tackle a puzzle slightly beyond their comfort zone, then reflect on strategies, mistakes and the power of 'yet'.
Early finishersEarly Finisher Puzzle Menu
A printed menu of independent puzzles that keeps fast finishers engaged without extra teacher preparation.