7 Educational Benefits of KenKen

KenKen was designed to make learning math fun. Students and teachers alike love KenKen because it perfectly bridges the gap between learning and playing. This is one of the reasons millions of casual puzzlers love the puzzle too. But what exactly are the educational benefits of KenKen?

Here are a few skills educators from around the world have found KenKen to be helpful in improving. We hope you find these examples interesting and helpful.

      

1: Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - The process of solving a KenKen puzzle enhances one's ability to solve problems because it teaches students to logically assess all options and work through the problem in an efficient manner

2: Deduction & Reasoning Skills - KenKen is a wonderful enrichment activity for students interested in math as the puzzle integrates logic, arithmetic, collaboration, and deductive reasoning skill

3: Perseverance - At some point, all students will have trouble with a KenKen. The simple act of "sticking with it" until your student's find the solution encourages perseverance and develops confidence in the student’s ability to conquer any problem. 

4: Arithmetic - In order to solve a KenKen, each student must perform arithmetic operations through mental math. The act of solving enables students (and adults) to become more proficient in arithmetic skills.

5: Concentration - KenKen encourages students to concentrate and remain focused. While completing KenKens, students use the power of observation to catch mistakes and determine which part of the puzzle is the right place to start and where to go from there.

6: Self-Confidence - Each KenKen provides its own challenge, which teaches kids and adults alike to enjoy the process of challenging their brain. Solving KenKens enables puzzlers to become more confident in their ability to work through problems of all kinds. 

7: Communication and Teamwork - When students work on KenKens together, they enhance their ability to discuss, reason, and support their own findings. Because there are many different approaches to each KenKen puzzle, students are encouraged to learn from their peers' methods and to think collectively on new solutions.

   

Do you agree with our list? Let us know if you have found KenKen to be useful in teaching other skills that aren't listed above. Feel free to write us here or get in touch with us on social media!

If you'd like to join the KenKen Classroom program, sign up at KenKen.com/teachers.

We love working with passionate educators to continue spreading awareness of KenKen as an educational resource. If you love using KenKen with your students, please refer one or two professional colleagues who you believe would benefit from using KenKen in the classroom. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The KenKen Team

KenKen.com