I've had several people comment that they don't understand how to prepare and/or play Magic Squares. So this post is going to explain how to prep and play this game. {You'll also have access to some great Magic Square freebies for grades K-6, so stick around!}
First print out how many copies you need. {For this particular 4x4 set I printed one of each sheet. You may want to print multiple copies of one sheet so each student can have their own.}
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.
Here's the photo that shows what the cut up square looks like. I kept the "outside" so the kiddos have a guide as to where their 16 squares go. My 6th graders have done enough Magic Squares that they don't need the "guide". Even my 6-year-old niece completing a 3x3 {nine total squares} square was able to complete them without the "guide". It's more personal preference and student ability/comfort than anything.
To play, give the students the cut up squares (16 for a 4x4 square or nine for a 3x3 square). Giving them the outside "guide" is also an option. Students will start to match the square together. Remind them that the letters must be facing the correct direction! Magic Squares that are 4x4 are created with letters. (They do not spell anything! They are simply there to make correcting student work easier.) The younger grades have 3x3 Magic Squares that have graphics in the center. Make sure they are facing the correct direction. When the younger child is done, check that the graphics are the correct direction and in the right order.
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 couple pictures of children completing Magic Squares!
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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 will allow you to see how Magic Squares can be used as a magnet center.
Here's another picture tutorial from For the Love of Teaching Math.
And if you want to enrich your highest learners, you can have them glue their Magic Square to paper and create problems around the outside. This blog post will give you more details!
There are two minor downsides to Magic Squares.
- They take awhile to create. I typically recruit some student helpers to help me cut them all out. {The plus is that they last a LONG time! So you can play them again and again!}
- 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!
Alright, it is FINALLY time for some freebies! I currently have ten 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!
The following holiday Magic Squares are also available for FREE:
Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any further questions about Magic Squares. They are an activity I have loved using K-6! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks!
~HoJo~
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