I was recently introduced to Sudoku. Sudoku is, like a crossword puzzle that uses numbers instead of words. What’s great about this activity is that provides me with 3 things that I value highly: 1) Recreation. 2) Exercise for my mind. 3) A new tool I can incorporate into my job as a facilitator.
If you have been following this blog, you know that combining learning and recreation is something I’m passionate about. It is what one of my favorite people refers to as a “twofer” (“killing two birds with one stone.”) So while many people enjoy Sudoku as a stand alone recreational activity, I like to add the learning component to it.
From a learning perspective, Sudoku can help you add the following to your life: awareness, flexibility, seeing how everything is connected, patience and more. Also when used in a group setting, it also helps promote collaboration.
Another major (and highly unexpected) benefit for me since I started doing this activity, is that I found out my 12-year old daughter Veronica also likes doing these puzzles. We have started doing these together on a regular basis and it has provided us with another activity to share and bond.
If you haven’t yet tried it, I invite you to do so. There are many books and Internet sites where you can find Sudoku. I’ll direct you to one that I have used so you can give it a try WebSudoku.com.
If you’re a Sudoku enthusiast, let me know. I would love to learn more about ways I can improve.
March 19, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Preparing tax returns is easier
Bob
March 19, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Preparing tax returns is easier
Bob
March 22, 2006 at 3:17 pm
These are great puzzles. Jack turned me on to them. The Orange County Register and LA Times have Sudoku puzzles each day also.
March 22, 2006 at 3:17 pm
These are great puzzles. Jack turned me on to them. The Orange County Register and LA Times have Sudoku puzzles each day also.
March 22, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Because keeping track of real numbers in the same fill in space gets messy…To keep track of un-used numbers, I use a different visual cue.
If you are doing the basic 9X number Sudoku (instead of alpha-numeric Sudoku)- in the empty square, I divide the box into 9 areas(like Tic-tac-Toe). Associate a number to a space. Then as I work the puzzle, I put a dot in the appropriate spot representing the “missing number”. As I use the number associated with the dot within the box or line, it becomes a slash.
I tend to do crosswords and Sudoku with pen because I can’t see pencil… so I had to figure a “clean” way to track numbers.
March 22, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Because keeping track of real numbers in the same fill in space gets messy…To keep track of un-used numbers, I use a different visual cue.
If you are doing the basic 9X number Sudoku (instead of alpha-numeric Sudoku)- in the empty square, I divide the box into 9 areas(like Tic-tac-Toe). Associate a number to a space. Then as I work the puzzle, I put a dot in the appropriate spot representing the “missing number”. As I use the number associated with the dot within the box or line, it becomes a slash.
I tend to do crosswords and Sudoku with pen because I can’t see pencil… so I had to figure a “clean” way to track numbers.
April 27, 2006 at 7:26 pm
I love Sudoku, too. In fact, I usually work on a puzzle before bed as a way to relax. I also notice that when I work on these, my mind is quiet (i.e., nothing else is rattling on up there) and I am focused. I love building the logic, and feel good when I finish a rather difficult one.
April 27, 2006 at 7:26 pm
I love Sudoku, too. In fact, I usually work on a puzzle before bed as a way to relax. I also notice that when I work on these, my mind is quiet (i.e., nothing else is rattling on up there) and I am focused. I love building the logic, and feel good when I finish a rather difficult one.