Sudoku is popular among math teachers since the puzzle requires only logic to solve, and logic/math reasoning is part of any mathematics class, often appearing in state standards. Most of the sudoku puzzles appearing in newspapers, like crossword puzzles, are of the 9×9 variety. These are normally too large for teachers to use when introducing sukoku to their students. Enter the 6×6 puzzle – some of the reasons kids and teachers like these puzzles:
* No language or math skills needed
* Easy to learn and easy to build skill
* Fun and satisfying when completed
* Good for new users and “old hands”
These are quite a bit simpler and thus take less time to complete. All six numerals, 1-6 must appear in each column, row, and 2×3 box.
A nice website to find a huge number of ready-made 6×6 puzzles is Sudoku Place. The author, Mark Danburg-Wyld, has these puzzles sorted into three categories: those with 20, 16, and 12 clues, and this determines the level of difficulty.
For those wishing to go to the next level with students or for themselves, Sudoku on Wikipedia has a nice article with techniques to use for solving these puzzles and a large number of links.
Related Post: For Firefox Users: Do It Yourself Sudoku Solver – a Great Visual Showing Progress Toward the Solution
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