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How to Use Magic Square Puzzles!

I’ve had several people comment that they don’t understand how to prepare and/or play Magic Square Puzzles. So this post is going to explain how to use Magic Square Puzzles. {You’ll also have access to some great Magic Square freebies for grades K-6, so stick around!} Want to skip right to the video directions? Click here for the video version, or click here for the video with audio!

Are you wondering how to use Magic Square Puzzles? These fun, engaging math and literacy puzzles work great for centers, review, early and fast finishers, enrichment, GATE (gifted and talented education), and critical thinking skills. With this fun game format your preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classroom or home school students will stay engaged while practicing necessary skills! {preK, Kinder, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders, free, freebie}

What are the Benefits of Magic Square Puzzles?

Before we get any further, it’s important to know why Magic Square Puzzles are so beneficial, right? Here are all the reasons I love them!

  • Gives students a lesson in perseverance!
  • Keep students engaged through a fun, game format.
  • They’re hands on.
  • Employ critical thinking
  • Use them with ALL students – GATE, special needs, RTI, Title I, ELL, and general education classrooms.
  • Use them in a variety of ways – small groups, individual work, partner projects, and more!
  • Include differentiated options so students at different levels can work on the same material.
  • These can be used for a variety of reasons:
    • Centers
    • Review
    • Early or fast finishers
    • Enrichment
  • Plus they’re low prep so teachers can have them ready in no time – just print, cut, and go!

Do you want a free set of Magic Square Puzzles that can be used in your Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classroom or home school? Then you're going to love these place value, subtracting, rounding, missing addends, blends & digraphs, and irregular verbs Magic Square Puzzles! Click through now to see how you can get these engaging math & literacy centers or stations for FREE! They're a fun classroom game! {K, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders}

How do I prep Magic Square Puzzles?

  1. First choose which puzzle/s you want. Many of my products have 2-4 versions available to better help you differentiate.
  2. Then print out how many copies you need. Many of the puzzles have color and black/white versions. {Sometimes I print just one of each puzzle, but other times I print one for each student to have their own. It depends if I am doing centers or using them as early and fast finishers work.}
    •  I typically print my Magic Squares on cardstock. To store them, I take an entire set and put each individual puzzle in a snack size baggie. I then take that set of baggies and one original sheet {as an answer key} and put them in a manila folder. This way I can easily have them all stored and readily accessible to correct finished puzzles.
  3. Get your puzzles all cut up into 4, 9, or 16 pieces – depending whether you are using a 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 puzzle. If you want, keep the outside ring of the puzzle as  “guide”. This is one more way to make the puzzles easier for your students that need a little more direction. My 6th graders have done enough Magic Squares that they don’t need the “guide”. Even my 6-year-old niece completing a 3×3 {nine total squares} square was able to complete them without the “guide”. It’s more personal preference and student ability/comfort than anything.
    • Cutting can take a little while, depending on how many puzzles you are using. I’ve had students help me cut them and then put them together. I have not noticed them “cheating” by memorizing the order, but use your best judgment.
  4. To play, give the students the cut up squares (16 for a 4×4 square, nine for a 3×3 square, or 4 for 2×2). Giving them the outside “guide” is also an option. Students will start to match the square together. Remind them that the pictures or words must be facing the correct direction! Typically I create my Magic Square Puzzles with pictures, but if you are differentiating with a puzzle without pictures – just tell your students to spread out their puzzle pieces.Do you want a free set of Addition Magic Square Puzzles that can be used in your preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classroom or home school? Then you're going to love these addition 0-5, 0-10, 0-10, and two and three digit - with and without regrouping - Magic Square Puzzles! Click through now to see how you can get these engaging math centers or stations for FREE! {preK, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders, freebie, review, early / fast finishers}

I’m still not sure about this. Can you explain it again?

  1. Lay all of the pieces (4, 9, or 16) out so you can see all of them.
  2. Find two pieces that match.
  3. Continue adding puzzle pieces, ensuring that they match each piece they are beside.
  4. Repeat until the puzzle is done! =)

To easily check a student’s completed work, keep an original copy of the magic square sheet they are working on. This way you can immediately check to see if the letters or graphics are in the correct order or not.

Here’s a video I created while completing a Magic Square Puzzle. This was my first attempt at a video for my blog, so it’s not the greatest. 🙂

If you’re looking for a quicker visual, watch this video.

That’s the basics on how to use Magic Square Puzzles. But not every student may be successful with them right away. Here are some more tips and tricks to help you get even more out of these great, engaging puzzles!

Remediation Ideas for Magic Square Puzzles

Some students may struggle with these, especially the first time they use them. However, here are some tips and tricks to help them be more successful. Watch the video or read on for all the remediation tips.

  1. Use the puzzles without anything around the outside edges (if those were provided in the puzzle you purchased). I provide a variety of differentiation options when you download Magic Square Puzzles, so this will help your students by having less to work with. You can also give them the hint that the outside edges are “plain”. It’s sort of like putting together a regular puzzle. We know the outside edges are smooth and flat. In this case, the outside edges are plain with nothing on them. (If you choose that puzzle.)
  2. Go through the puzzles as a class first. Show them how to complete the puzzle. Talk through what you are doing.
  3. Allow them to work with a partner, particularly the first time or two.
  4. Keep the outside border of the Magic Square Puzzle as a guide. This way they can see the outline of what the puzzle should look like. (I’ve noticed some students really struggle with the idea of it being a square.)
  5. Mark the upper left square with a green dot. This is where a child would typically start reading, so they them this is their starting point.
  6. If the puzzle is typically nine squares, give them just four to start with. If the puzzle is typically 16 squares, give the child just 9 to start with. Once they feel comfortable with that many, increase the amount.
  7. Draw a border around the outside of the Magic Square Puzzle with a noticeable color. Tell the students this is the outline.
  8. Mark the four corner squares so students know which ones they are.
  9. Highlight matching sides so students can find the answers more quickly. (Highlighting about half the problems and leaving the other half plain would work!)

Extension Ideas for Magic Square Puzzles

Some students are going to complete the Magic  Square Puzzle more quickly. These students may need additional activities to enrich their learning experience. Here are some ideas. Choose to watch the video or read more just below it.

  1. Make sure to give these students Magic Square Puzzles with numbers or words around the outside edges. These puzzles are more challenging, so they will be great for your high fliers or GATE students.
  2. Ask your students to glue their Magic Square Puzzle to paper. Then have them write problems (for math puzzles) to match the outside edges of the Magic Square Puzzle.

Even More Magic Square Puzzle Fun

If you have now fallen totally in love with Magic Squares, let me share a couple more sites where other teacher-bloggers have written reviews or other ideas to use Magic Squares.
This site shares how they turned Magic Square Puzzles into a magnet station for literacy centers!
Interested in how to use Magic Square Puzzles? They are great for centers, early and fast finishers, enrichment, GATE, critical thinking, and test prep! Most are differentiated. Low prep make it easier for the teacher. Just print, cut, and go!

Need yet another idea? How about using the Magic Square Puzzles as a file folder game? Simply put a little velcro inside of a file folder, and you have an immediate game you can use over and over with any set of Magic Square Puzzles! (This would be a great project for a parent volunteer in your classroom!)

There are two minor downsides to Magic Squares.

  1. It can take awhile to cut out the Magic Square Puzzles if you are doing a lot of them. However, I typically recruit parent volunteers or students to help me out if I have a lot to cut. {The plus is that they last a LONG time, especially if you use cardstock and/or laminate them! So you can play them again and again!}
  2. The first time students complete a Magic Square they might get confused and need a fair amount of assistance. I often draw an example the first time. I’ve also modeled one using an overhead so the entire class can see. Another option is to partner students up – two heads are better than one! However, just like anything that is done in the classroom, once students complete one Magic Square – they will catch on and be able to complete them much quicker the next time! Use theremediation tips above to give you more ideas.

Don’t want students to see the full puzzle (which doubles as the answer key) before completing the puzzle? No worries!

  • Ask parent volunteers to cut out and prep the puzzles.
  • Have students from another class (or high school volunteers) prep for you.
  • Have students cut the puzzles out a week early. (They’re forgetful!)
  • Give students a puzzle to cut out, but then have them complete a different puzzle by switching with a friend. Since many puzzles have multiple options or differentiated versions, this is an option for many of the puzzles.

 

Alright, it is FINALLY time for some freebies! I currently have over 10 free Magic Square puzzles in my TpT store. Click on the pictures below to check them out! Or click here to see all of the Magic Squares in my store! Interested in some money saving bundles? Click here.

 The following holiday Magic Squares are also available for FREE:
K-2 Thanksgiving Magic Square
K-6 Differentiated Halloween Magic Square
K-2 Christmas Magic Square
3-6 Christmas Magic Square

And don’t forget you can get
this EXCLUSIVE set of Magic Square Puzzles for FREE
when you sign up for our newsletter!

I hope this post on how to use Magic Square Puzzles has been helpful. However, please leave any questions you may still have in the comments below. These are an activity I have loved using in grades K-6, although I’ve even heard from 7th and 8th grade teachers that their students enjoy them!

Make sure to grab these FREE Magic Square Puzzles by clicking on the images below for each one.

Free multiplication Magic Square Puzzle for critical thinking practice in elementary classrooms or home school rooms. This critical thinking multiplication activity provides hands on practice for numbers 10, 11, and 12. The multiplication freebie is a great math center activity for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Great for math centers, stations, fast or early finishers, gifted & talented, or more! A great puzzle game with differentiated options. {third, fourth, fifth graders}

FREE addition Magic Square Puzzles! These engaging, hands-on puzzles are great for your Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade classroom or home school students to practice their basic adding facts. They're great for math centers or work stations, early or fast finishers, individual work, partners, and more! Students will improve fact fluency while working on critical thinking skills. They are also great for enrichment, perseverance, and GATE. Print & go. Low prep.{K, first, second, third graders}

This FREE Letter Recognition Magic Square Puzzle is great for literacy centers or stations, review, early or fast finishers, enrichment, GATE, and critical thinking skills. It's best for preK and Kindergarten classroom or home school students. Great to recognize and match uppercase and lowercase letters. Print, cut, go! This low prep FREEBIE is sure to be fun and engaging! {preschool, K, classroom, letter identification, free download, pre-kindergarten}

FREE Short A Literacy Center Game - Use this freebie with your preschool, Kindergarten, or first grade classroom or home school students who are ready to work on their short A CVC words. These are great for literacy centers, stations, or rotations. Also good for review, balanced literacy, ELA, reading, phonics, early or fast finishers, GATE, and critical thinking skills. Grab your FREE Magic Square Puzzles today! {preK, K, first graders}Telling Time to the Nearest Minute FREEBIE - Use this free resource with your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade classroom or home school students as you work on clocks and time. It works great for review, early or fast finishers, critical thinking skills, GATE, and math centers, stations, or rotations. What a way to work on perseverance, critical thinking, and a growth mindset! {second, third, fourth graders}

FREE Fraction Math Center - Use this freebie with your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classroom or home school students. These work great for your math centers, stations, or rotations. They're also great for review, critical thinking skills, promoting a growth mindset, enrichment, GATE, and more. Make sure to pick up your FREE copy today! {second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders, homeschool, fractions}

FREE Beginning Sounds Center Game - With this freebie you get three variations of the same puzzle. Students can match the picture to the correct beginning letter sound OR match the pictures with the same beginning sound. It's great for your preschool, Kindergarten, or 1st grade literacy or ELA centers, stations, or rotations. Also use them for enrichment, review, critical thinking, and more. Make sure to pick up your FREE copy today! {preK, K, first graders, homeschool, phonics}

I’d love to hear what you think in the comments or via the feedback area on Teachers Pay Teachers!

Thanks!
~HoJo~

Filed Under: 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th Grade, 6th grade, Christmas, English Language Arts, freebie, Halloween, kindergarten, letter recognition, Magic Squares, math, Thanksgiving

Previous Post: « FREE K-2 Thanksgiving Magic Square Puzzle
Next Post: Grammar Game for Plurals and Possessive Nouns »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lianna Mendez says

    January 10, 2014 at 4:11 am

    Thanks for sharing these wonderful resources!!! I can't wait to use them with my students.

    Sincerely,
    Lianna

    Reply
  2. Chrissy says

    July 10, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    I just saw your guest post on Sunny Days in 2nd Grade. I'm glad to have found your magic squares. I'll try them with my kiddos next year.
    Chrissy
    First Grade Found Me

    Reply
  3. Tina Harrison says

    June 16, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Just went to tpt website and found your music set. I’m definitEly going to buy this! I could give you tons of ideas About other variations for your store. Curwen hand signs, specific notes on the staff with letter names, or with solfa names, even large ones with bits of melody on a staff and then corresponding note names or solfa. All of these are actually tested yearly in My district for 3rd and 4th grade. PictuRes of imstruments and their family, or their name would be cool, too. I think I could add to your list of terms with pictures for definitions, as well. All of these would be so useful for the music classrooM!

    Tina

    Reply
  4. Mel says

    April 8, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    THese are woNderful! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Carey Fero says

    May 20, 2020 at 8:28 am

    I have a PROBABLY DUMB QUESTION, hOW TO YOU CREATE THE SQUARES? iS THERE A PROGRAM YOU USE? aLSO WITH THE DISTANCE LEARNING NOW, CAN THESE BE PU INTO ANOTHER PROGRAM TO TO VIRTUALLY? i’M THINKING OF SUMMER SCHOOL.

    Reply
    • HoJo says

      June 30, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      I create the squares in the PowerPoint program. I actually have an editable copy that will be in my store soon. You can follow me here – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Sellers-Im-Following/Add/Hojo – to get notified by email when I post it.

      To make them digital I have to digitally “cut” each piece. It’s time-consuming, but possible. You can see all the puzzles I currently have converted to digital here – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hojo/Category/-Digital-Distance-Learning-433291 I have about 60 more puzzles I intend to make digital as time allows.

      Thank you for your interest! ~Heather aka HoJo~

      Reply

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